DROITWICH Lions have stepped in and contributed to a £160,000 cash boost for the air ambulance network.
Local Lions joined the Lions Clubs International Foundation initiative to enable the high-flying service – which depends totally on charity contributions – to be equipped with more vital kit in the battle against coronavirus.
Lions Clubs’ Council Chair, Stewart Sherman-Kahn said: “We found that involvement in COVID-19 relief has affected fund-raising and created considerable extra – unbudgeted – day-to-day costs.
“So, working with Air Ambulances UK, we compiled a list of equipment and supplies requested by air ambulance charities themselves – totalling £161,468.
“During lockdown, Lions clubs have continued to help out in their local communities, and we’ve already given £140,000 in grants to foodbanks and other causes.
“Now, thanks to an emergency COVID-19 relief grant from the Lions Clubs International Foundation, we can provide immediate support for an emergency service that touches lives in all our local communities.”
Equipment and supplies funded by the Lions includes isolation capsules and decontamination units, separation screens, PPE, ventilators, respirators and hoods, a thermal screening camera and monitoring system, compression devices, fluid warmers, an ultrasound cardiac probe, and mobile connectivity devices.
Heather Benjamin, Chair of Air Ambulances UK, said: “The donation of equipment and supplies by Lions helps air ambulance charities to support the COVID-19 response and their communities in these extraordinary times and beyond.”
Working with Air Ambulances UK, Lions Clubs compiled a list of equipment and supplies needed by individual air ambulance charities – totalling £161,468.
