U.K. self-storage operator Big Yellow Group PLC, which operates the Big Yellow and Armadillo Self Storage brands, is offering free space to London’s Air Ambulance Charity and Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity.
The company has donated 200 square feet of storage space at its Wapping, England, location to London’s Air Ambulance Charity in support of the organization’s goal to raise life-saving funds. The group is expanding its fundraising activity to help keep the service flying and advance the care it provides at the roadside, according to a press release.
Founded in 1989, London’s Air treats emergency patients who face time-critical, life-threatening situations. During an emergency, an advanced trauma doctor and paramedic are delivered to the patient by helicopter or rapid-response car to perform medical interventions at the scene that would normally only be possible in a hospital emergency department, the release stated. To date, the organization has treated more than 39,000 critically injured people and attended most major incidents in London.
London’s Air works in partnership with Barts Health NHS Trust and the London Ambulance Service. It costs about £10 million each year.
“Our charity has an ambitious plan to double income over the next five years so that we can continue our mission of saving more lives in London. In this period of fast growth and rapid development, the support of the Big Yellow Self-Storage company is valuable in providing safe and secure storage to help us achieve our goals. On behalf of everyone here, we would like to say thank you,” said Louise Robertshaw, director of fundraising and marketing for London’s Air.
Big Yellow is also donating 100 square feet of storage for 12 months at its Finchley North location to assist in the Rays of Sunshine office relocation. The space will allow the charity to house many items and materials that aren’t used on a daily basis, including Christmas decorations and supplies for its annual parties in London and Manchester.
“We are delighted to support such an incredible charity, which has moved into our community. We hope that our support enables them to brighten the lives of even more seriously ill children and their families,” said Tony Picariello, manager of Big Yellow Finchley North.
Formed in 2003, Rays of Sunshine grants wishes and provides support to sick young people and their families, both in hospital and within the community. More than 6,500 wishes have been granted to date, with more than 60,000 children and young people helped. The organization was awarded The Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2018.
“We’re very thankful to Big Yellow Self Storage and their Finchley North location for their support and donated storage space over the next year. As a charity, we try to save costs wherever we can to ensure the money we raise is used to directly help brighten the lives of seriously and terminally ill children and their families across the UK,” said Rays of Sunshine CEO Jane Sharpe.
Big Yellow Group operates 99 self-storage locations in the United Kingdom, with most concentrated in Greater London and Southeast England. Its total portfolio comprises 5.7 million square feet.