Could your cupcakes bring in cash? Would your friends donate for a doughnut? If so Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) would like you to put the kettle on and raise vital funds.
EHAAT is asking supporters to `rise’ to the challenge of supporting their local life-saving charity by getting involved in `A Virtual British Afternoon Tea’ this summer.
With many of us turning to baking during the lockdown, the charity would like the people of Essex and Hertfordshire to `get together’ over cakes and a cuppa as part of its ‘A Virtual British Afternoon Tea’ fundraising initiative, sponsored by Dobsons Home of Cheshunt.
Natasha Robertson, Fundraising Manager at EHAAT, said, “You can help save lives, one cake at a time. Since going into lockdown, baking has become an even bigger obsession and we are inviting people to create their star bakes and hold a virtual tea party.
“Thanks to video apps like Zoom, and Houseparty, you can invite friends and family to join you for al tea party, even if you can’t meet them in person. It’s a great way to connect with people, have some fun and `doughnate’ money to a great cause.”
“It costs over £750,000 a month to keep the service running smoothly and we couldn’t do it without the dedication and support of the people of Essex and Hertfordshire. It’s really easy to get involved.”
Helen Dobson, Director of Dobsons Home said: “We wanted to get involved with A Very British Afternoon Tea because it’s supporting a fantastic local charity that does amazing work. I’ve met people who have been saved by the air ambulance, and what they do is incredible. As a longstanding local business, we like to be part of the community and play our part in supporting local charities.”
Taking part is simple once you’ve picked a date and thought about who you’d like to invite, you could choose a theme, organise some games or a quiz, or even vote to see whose cake is the favourite. The charity is asking supporters to simply bake and donate. Natasha continued “If guests all donated the costs of their usual cuppa or favourite cake it would make a big difference to Charity at this time.”
To help give your baking a boost, recipes, EHAAT bunting, invitations and posters can be downloaded from the charity’s website at ehaat.org/avbat
Don’t forget to post photos of your get together and your baking triumphs (and disasters!) using #avbat, #ratemybake and #ratemycake.
A Virtual British Afternoon Tea is one of a number of fun and easy fundraising ways to support your local air ambulance without leaving home.
Although both EHAAT airbases – at North Weald and Earls Colne – are closed to all non-essential visitors, the charity’s critical care teams are still working 24/7 attending the most critically ill and injured patients. Fundraising efforts have been hit by the cancellation or postponement of a number of events.
Donations to Essex & Herts Air Ambulance can be made by visiting ehaat.org
