Wrap Your Window this Christmas

It currently costs £7.7m a year for GNAAS to remain operational and during the financial year 2021/22 there was a total of 1,732 call-outs to critically ill or injured people in the region.

To help keep the service flying into the new year, the charity has launched their ‘Wrap Your Window’ campaign in the lead-up to Christmas, which is less than six weeks away.

As part of the campaign, they are appealing for neighbourhoods, offices and schools to make Winter Wonderland themed displays in December to spread some Christmas cheer as well as raise vital funds.

Whether it’s tinsel around your desk at work, a special school window display or getting your full street involved to add something Christmassy to their homes, every decoration can help play a part in helping to save lives.

A large Fenwick-style Christmas scene at GNAAS’ headquarters will be officially unveiled on 23 November on their Facebook page, and they’re hoping supporters will lead by example and create something similar.

Volunteers Lisa Ward, Aileen Nelson, and Ben and Jackie Bendelow have been working together to create the display at GNAAS’ HQ.

Mr and Mrs Bendelow, from Stockton, are the parents of Sophie Snowdon, who is a fundraising lead for GNAAS, and they have supported the charity for several years.

During lockdown Mrs Bendelow made masks for her family and friends in return for donations to GNAAS, and her husband is signed up to the charity’s lottery.

Mrs Bendelow said: “Our daughter works at the charity, so we understand how vital it is to have an air ambulance service in the region. GNAAS has helped thousands of people and saved countless lives, so we were more than happy to get involved in decorating the windows to support their campaign.”

Ms Ward from Stockton started volunteering at GNAAS this year and has been heavily involved in the creation of the window displays.

She’s also helping to create a Santa’s grotto for the charity’s Christmas Fayre which is taking place on Sunday 3 December 11am-3pm at their HQ on Urlay Nook Road, Stockton, TS16 0QB.

She said: “I love Christmas, so it’s been a pleasure to decorate the windows at the charity’s headquarters and see the enjoyment on people’s faces when they see our display.

“I’m taking part in Wrap Your Window at home to help raise funds for the charity, and I hope to see many others do the same.”

Tracey Wright, events lead at GNAAS, said: “For everyone that signs up and gets involved we have a great fundraising pack to help, including a GNAAS Christmas gift, and a poster featuring a QR code to put in your window, so those passing can donate. Alternatively, we can provide collection buckets if you’re opening your street up for others to come and enjoy.

“We understand times are difficult at the moment, but if it’s something you can get involved in, no matter how big or small, it can make a huge difference to our charity.

“I’m extremely proud of our volunteers’ efforts with our own GNAAS Christmas window this year, and we can’t wait to reveal it live on Facebook to our supporters.”

To watch the official unveiling of GNAAS’ Christmas window, visit our Facebook page on 23 November.