Fundraising soars for Devon Air Ambulance

Otter Garden Centres in Ottery St Mary has announced the total raised for its charity of the year 2017, Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

The East Devon branch of the family-run garden centre ran various fundraising activities across the year to achieve an impressive total of over £7,500.

£700 came from donations to the annual Memory Tree, where customers buy a red or gold ribbon to attach to a Christmas tree in memory of loved ones. £1,000 was raised from parking donations for Ottery St Mary’s Tar Barrels event, with a matching amount donated to the Tar Barrels Carnival Committee.

Team Leader Mary Harrison, who helps coordinate the fundraising, said: “As well as customer donations, members of staff took part in a variety of staff events.

“These included two evening quizzes and a very popular raffle to win a cake made by a staff member’s wife.”

In addition, donations from generous visitors to Santa’s Grotto at Christmas reached over £2,350, swelling the total considerably.

DAA Fundraising Manager, Tracy Owen commented: “We are extremely grateful to Otter Garden Centres for all their support throughout 2017 and delighted that the hard work of the charity team at the Ottery St Mary branch paid off.

“The support of Devon businesses like Otter Garden Centres is crucial to the continuing provision of our service, which is there for anyone who should need it, be that a medical emergency or trauma related."

Otter Garden Centres Torbay branch also raised funds for the charity during 2017 and between the two branches a grand total of over £12,000 is being handed over to Devon Air Ambulance.

“Our annual charity fundraising is an important part of our business,” explained Ottery General Manager, John Giblin.

“Each year we raise thousands for local and national charities through donations from staff and customers and we would like to pass on our thanks to everyone who puts their hand in their pocket to help us along the way.”

The Ottery St Mary branch is supporting Alzheimer’s Society during 2018, whilst Torbay will continue to support DAAT.