Ulster Bank staff launch fundraising week across Northern Ireland for lifesaving Air Ambulance NI

Sandra Wright, Ulster Bank; James O’Callaghan, HEMS Paramedic and David Sinton, Ulster Bank Branch Manager, Lisburn

Ulster Bank has officially launched its annual ‘One Week in September’ fundraising campaign in support of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (AANI), with a packed programme of events set to take place across the region.

The initiative, which begins on Monday 15th September, sees bank staff organise fundraising activities including street collections, coffee mornings, quiz nights, and even a “soak the boss” challenge, with all money raised going directly to the Air Ambulance charity.

In the run-up to the launch, colleagues staged several successful fundraising events, including a cinema night which raised over £6,000, and their own version of popular online game show Hot Ones, featuring Hope Street and former Coronation Street actor Kerri Quinn.

Supporting a lifesaving service

Air Ambulance NI provides critical pre-hospital emergency care across Northern Ireland, responding to an average of two people in urgent need every single day.

Terry Robb, Head of Retail Banking at Ulster Bank, said the campaign has quickly become a highlight of the year for staff:

“One Week in September is a fantastic initiative where we come together and try to make a positive impact in the communities in which we live and work.

“We have a new charity partner on board this year in the Air Ambulance NI, and colleagues are determined to dig deep and work in their local communities to do everything they can to raise funds for this worthy cause.”

Mr Robb highlighted that the partnership goes beyond fundraising alone:

“What makes this partnership so successful is that it extends far beyond fundraising. Colleagues from teams right across the bank have sharing their expertise with the AANI team through delivering financial foundations workshops, providing HR and risk consultancy services, holding presentation skills training seminars, and offering first aid awareness sessions, activities which have helped to cement the partnership and make it so engaging for our teams.

“The campaign may only last for one week, but in truth our relationship with the AANI is an ongoing one and throughout the year, we have been fortunate to visit the Air Ambulance premises and familiarise ourselves with all of the operations needed to enable this fantastic charity to continue with their great work.”

‘Partnership that keeps the service flying’

Sandra Wright, Ulster Bank; Kerry Anderson, AANI; James O’Callaghan, HEMS Paramedic; Colleen Milligan, AANI and David Sinton, Ulster Bank Branch Manager, Lisburn

Colleen Milligan, Business Development Manager at Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, welcomed Ulster Bank’s ongoing support:

“Air Ambulance NI relies on partnerships like this to keep our helicopter service operational. We are grateful to Ulster Bank for their fundraising efforts, but also for the practical support and training that makes a real difference to our staff and helps us keep our services running for the two individuals in Northern Ireland who find themselves in critical need of AANI every day.”

A week of fundraising across NI

Fundraising events will be held in Ulster Bank branches across Northern Ireland throughout the week, with staff and customers alike encouraged to get involved and show their support.

All funds raised will go directly to Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, helping ensure that this lifesaving service can continue its vital operations.

For updates and details of events near you, follow Ulster Bank’s official social media channels.