Fundraising and Volunteers
Community fundraising is an essential part of the charity’s day to day operation and without our volunteers, this essential way of raising funds would simply not happen.
Click on the section which interests you below:
Fundraising
The majority of fundraising events are not organised by the charity itself but by our supporters. These cover a very wide and diverse range of events, from the traditional coffee mornings, fetes, and jumble sales to sponsored events such as swims, slims, walks, diets jumps, fashion shows (photo to the left) and jogs - to name just a few.
We also receive superb support from various community organizations such as the Round Table, Rotary, Probus, WI’s etc.
If you would like to put on a fundraising event to raise funds for your Air Ambulances why not get in touch with us beforehand? Click here to contact us. Download our fundraising ideas booklet - Download booklet
We help our supporters by undertaking the following:
- Posters/publicity material
- Help with publicity including contacting the local media to where your event is being held
- Including details of your event in our on-line events diary
If you would like some ideas of what you could do for a fundraising event why not click here to download our fundraising ideas booklet?
Collection Boxes
Our red collection boxes can be found in many locations throughout Devon. In fact there are over 4,600 across the county. These are found in a wide range of places including shops, pubs and clubs.
In 2006 over £174,000 was made from your loose change being put into our red boxes!
If you would like a box in your shop, pub or club Click here and our representative will get in touch with you.
Recycling
The charity believes in recycling and doing its bit to help the environment in which we live. You too can help make a difference, while raising funds for Devon’s Air Ambulances at the same time.
- Mobile phones – many of us have old mobile phones stuck in the drawer, knowing that we won’t use them again but not wanting to just throw them away! Why not donate them to us? We are paid cash for them. Click here to request one of our freepost mobile phone envelopes.
- Toner cartridges – your printer toner cartridges when empty can also be recycled. Again we receive cash for them. We work alongside a company called KeyTec. If you have over 5 cartridges they will collect for free. Simply give them a ring on 01297 35283 (Fax 01297 32296) or email recycling@help4freeonline.co.uk or take a look at their website on www.help4freeonline.co.uk. If you have less than 5 please again ring KeyTec who will send you a freepost bag to return the cartridges to them in
- Stamps and postcards – used or unused postage stamps are in great demand by collectors all over the world. Even the ones which we class as just general day to day 1st and 2nd class ones. The charity would be pleased to receive yours. If you are taking them off envelopes please try and ensure they are trimmed to about a cm around the stamps, leaving part of the envelope on. We are sorry we are not able to offer a collection service for these due to the quantities usually involved. Postcards can be either used or unused.
- Foreign coins and Euros – we also take foreign coins and Euros. The foreign coins are sold on to coin collectors/dealers, whilst the Euros can, of course, be transferred by our bank back into Sterling
Sponsorship
Would you like to do something different?
Why not ask people to sponsor you for doing it?
This could be a sponsored slim, swim or head shave to name just a few ideas.
Or what about giving yourself the challenge of a lifetime and take part in a half or full marathon?
Whatever you choose, we are here to help you every step of the way. We can provide you with a sponsorship pack, including sponsor forms, and help with publicity through local media (if you want it). Why not contact us now?
Volunteering
Some of us simply do not have the funds to be able to make a monetary donation to our favourite charity. However, donating the gift of time is often as valuable.
We rely on our volunteers across Devon to act as our representatives - they are an essential part of our fundraising team.
Volunteers donate the gift of time and can undertake a wealth of different roles, each one playing an important part in keeping Devon's Air Ambulances flying.
Voluntary roles are very flexible, and volunteers can help us on a regular or occasional basis.
For example, you could:
- Help man our charity shops
- Service our collection boxes - you would have your own small area to look after
- Attend events with one of our merchandise or information stands
- Attend cheque presentations
- Give talks on the work of the Air Ambulances using a powerpoint presentation - everything you need is provided/loaned to you
It is very important to the Devon Air Ambulance Trust to keep administrative costs as low as possible. This means every penny possible goes straight into the funds to keep your Air Ambulances flying.
Why use volunteers?
- A volunteer will know the area and be local to the event that they cover. This helps the charity and keeps expenses to a minimum
- Being local, a volunteer is able to spread the word about the work of the Devon Air Ambulances and raise awareness of our work
- By giving your time as a volunteer you show commitment to the people of Devon
- As a volunteer of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust you will be a valued member of a great organisation and part of a winning team
Don't worry if you have never undertaken any voluntary work - we can give you full training and information.
