Castlepoint saves for the air ambulance
Published: 30 September, 2008
Castlepoint, Bournemouth's premier shopping park, held its family fun day held on Saturday 16 August to raise funds for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Retailers and Castlepoint's own staff created challenges, competitions and stalls in the malls to support the shopping park's charity of the year.
Former Bournemouth and Arsenal goalkeeper Vince Bartram, now goalkeeping coach for AFC Bournemouth, held a Beat the Goalie competition while Castlepoint's general manager Peter Matthews was put in the medieval stocks and pelted with wet sponges. Sounds like the average management meeting.
More money is expected to be raised by many of the stores who held collections at their checkouts. "We must thank everyone involved and the generosity of our shoppers," said Peter Matthews. "The money will contribute to the £250,000 we hope to raise for the air ambulance over the coming months."
The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance operates its vital, life saving role without subsidy from the government or the National Lottery. The helicopter costs over £3,500 per day to run. It is crewed by a pilot and two paramedics and it can be anywhere in the two counties within 19 minutes, ideal when time is critical in life-threatening situations.
