More than £600 has been raised so far for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance through a Christmas angels fundraising appeal.
Members of North Yorkshire County Council’s central business support team came up with the idea of making paper angels to adorn the Christmas tree which each year stands in the main reception of the council’s Northallerton offices.
Staff and their families made the angels in their own time, creating them in rainbow shades in recognition of the hard work of the NHS in tackling the pandemic this year.
Visitors to the offices and colleagues were invited to personalise the angels and hang them on the tree for a minimum donation of £1. So far, more than £600 has been raised, and there is still time to buy an angel, as the campaign will run until 6 January.
County Council Chairman Cllr Jim Clark said: “This has been a tremendous response from members of the public and council staff in support of a charity, which, like so many this year, has missed out on fundraising opportunities but has maintained its high standard of support for the people of North Yorkshire.”
Council Leader Cllr Carl Les added: “As we’ve worked together to deal with the pandemic, this year has been all about supporting one another. As an authority, we have worked with voluntary and community organisations across the county to support those in need. It’s heartening to see our staff continuing to encourage that community spirit on their own initiative. I welcome the choice of charity, it’s an organisation that can make a timely life or death difference in the remote areas of North Yorkshire.”
Linda Stead, North Yorkshire Regional Fundraiser for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to members of North Yorkshire County Council’s central business support team for raising more than £600 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance through such a wonderful, heartfelt Christmas fundraising idea.
“It has been a challenging year for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the support and generosity we receive really is the lifeblood of our charity. The money raised will help greatly towards the £12,000 a day it costs to keep both of Yorkshire’s air ambulances flying across the region.”
There is still time to buy an angel. Call into reception at the council’s office in Racecourse Lane, Northallerton, or email mainreception@northyorks.gov.uk
