Adnams’ customers keep local charity East Anglian Air Ambulance flying in 2015

Brewer and distiller Adnams understands the importance of the local communities that surround its famous brewery in Southwold, Suffolk. With that in mind, they have been offering Pennies to customers at their Cellar & Kitchen Stores across East Anglia for over two years, raising vital funds for a range of charities working throughout the region to improve the lives of as many people living there as possible.

From December 2014 to the end of January 2015, the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) benefited from the thousands of donations made each month at Adnams’ stores, receiving over £6,000 additional funds.  EAAA is a 365 day-a-year lifesaving service working across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk and this year, celebrates its 15th anniversary.

Since the charity’s launch, dedicated, highly skilled medical crews on specially equipped helicopters have helped to save the lives of hundreds of people unfortunate enough to be involved in accidents or medical emergencies in the region.

To mark 15 years of operation, EAAA is holding commemorative events throughout the region to recognise the generosity of its loyal supporters, including ‘Tea at 15:00’ on May 15th at locations all over East Anglia.

EAAA will also be looking back at its achievements over the past 15 years, as it plans to make the coming year the most successful to date by introducing youth programmes across the region, made possible thanks to donations like those made by Adnams’ customers.

A charity like East Anglian Air Ambulance needs to raise £8.6 million a year to keep flying, meaning every penny truly does count.  For example, the £6,000 raised in support of EAAA in just three months through Pennies would be enough to cover the complete costs of two air ambulance missions, while a single week’s worth of donations could pay for 15 pairs of defibrillator pads to be used to give lifesaving treatment in the case of cardiac arrest.

A big thank you to everyone who has rounded up their purchase to the nearest pound in aid of Adnams’ brilliant charity partners to date – there is no question that your pennies really do make a difference.