Charlies raises nearly 160k for Air Ambulance

Completing over 49,000 mission since 2001 and is on standby 24/7 to attend those suffering a life or limb-threatening injury or illness whenever and wherever. These are only a couple reason why Charlies have Wales Air Ambulance as they're chosen charity to fundraise for.

Charlies started fundraising for this worthy cause all the way back in 2012, with a current total raised standing at £159,600!! Each year we work hard to create meaningful festive experiences for our customers and thoroughly enjoy seeing everyone enjoying the attractions.

Now, when I say that we have some unusual guests visiting our stores each Christmas, you may be intrigued or a bit confused, but let me explain the kind of winter wonderland we provide. In 2023, the Coed-y-Dinas store was joined by three penguins, while Queenferry welcomed some reindeers, Shrewsbury had some yetis and the talking reindeer returned to Carmarthen. People come from miles away to enjoy these singing animals and we are delighted to say this has now become a tradition for many people.

To add to the fundraising pot, the Coed-y-Dinas store surprises customers with some real reindeers and also allows the children to enjoy donkey rides. For the adults, wreath making classes are held with the talented Leanne from Serendipty Flowers, Welshpool. As well as all of these festive activities, Charlies donate £2 from the sale of every real Christmas tree each year.

Wales Air Ambulance provides advanced lifesaving medical care to people across Wales 24/7. They are the only air ambulance charity, based in, and dedicated to, the people of Wales and rely entirely on charitable donations to keep the helicopters in the air and fleet of rapid response vehicles on the road. Launched on St. David’s Day in 2001, the charity started out as a one-helicopter service, and has grown now to become the UK’s largest air ambulance operation with four aircraft and a fleet of rapid response vehicles. The service is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector Partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies the highly skilled and professional NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work onboard Wales Air Ambulance vehicles, resulting in a service which delivers advanced lifesaving care to people across Wales whenever and wherever.

We are very proud here at Charlies that we are able to fundraise this amount of money for such a worthy cause, and plan to continue to fundraise for years to come.