Be a star & sponsor!
Light up the sky! That’s what the public are being asked to do as part of an Irish Community Air Ambulance fundraiser.
Supporters of the charity-funded air ambulance and businesses are being asked to sponsor a star to fund lifesaving missions this Christmas.
Each donation made through the organisation’s website will light a virtual star, supporters can also leave a message for the crew or light a star in honour of a loved one.
This is Ireland’s only charity-funded air ambulance which responds to serious incidents and medical emergencies every day of the year, including Christmas Day, from its base in Rathcoole.
There were 42 taskings during December 2020, including one on Christmas Day. Crews launched 12 times between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve to counties Cork, Clare, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford costing an estimated €42,000.
CEO of the Irish Community Air Ambulance, Micheál Sheridan said: “Our team of pilots and National Ambulance Service paramedics will be on standby throughout the holidays. Whilst many of us will be enjoying Christmas Day with family and friends our crew will be away from theirs and will be available to respond if they are required.
“Our crew and those working in emergency services work tirelessly throughout the year and Christmas is no exception. The cost to run the charity this year is €2.1 million; the HEMS Air Ambulance alone is expected to cost €1.55m this year. By buying a star on our website you are helping us to light up the sky and bring hope to people in emergency situations in our communities this Christmas.”
Each helicopter mission costs an average of €3,500, all of which has to be raised or donated. To buy a star or to make a donation visit communityairambulance.ie. Each donation will light a star on the website, you can leave a message for the crew or light your star in memory of a loved one. You'll receive a card in the post personally signed by the Air Ambulance crew thanking you for your donation. At the same time, the Irish Community Air Ambulance will use the star you’ve bought to help its lifesaving work.