Derbyshire charity urges online support as shops close during lockdown

Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance has closed its retail network of high street shops and superstores in response to current coronavirus pandemic advice.

The charity has already suffered a multimillion-pound net loss of income from the initial national lockdown and is extremely concerned about the impact the second wave of closures will have on its services.

CEO Andy Williamson said: “The pandemic has had a significant impact on so many, including our own lifesaving charity.

“We faced a projected net loss of income of at least £2.2million for the months April to June and now, worryingly, we have entered another lockdown.

“As a charity, our mission is clear – to continue to provide critical care and lifesaving support to the NHS – but in order to do this we need the support of people within our communities now more than ever before.”

The closure of shops, the suspension of the charity’s kerbside reuse collections, and the postponement of door-to-door lottery canvassing will continue for an initial period until December 2 but will remain under review in line with future Government advice.

Mr Williamson said: “We want to reopen our shops as soon as we're able to, but our priority is to ensure the safety of our customers and staff.

"The charity desperately needs the income these stores provide and, therefore, we are urging the public to shop with us online or to simply make a donation so we can continue to support the NHS.”

While the charity’s shops are closed people are also being asked not to leave donations outside shops. A network of donation banks will remain operational and will take donations.

The charity is also offering a free postage service, which allows people to donate their goods without the need to visit a donation bank.

To find out more, access your local air ambulance’s online shops or to support the charity in other ways, visit theairambulanceservice.org.uk/shops/online.