Winterbottom’s Schoolwear has chosen the Great North Air Ambulance Service as its charity of the year. The schoolwear supplier has already hosted a series of bake sales as well as yoga and Pilates classes as a way of raising money.

To raise further funds for the charity, Winterbottom’s is also donating over 1000 items of surplus garments.

Following collection, the donated stock was transported to a depot and sorted accordingly. At this point, buyers in the UK and abroad grade the clothing to ensure the clothing can be sold on and the charity receives the best price possible.

Commenting is Winterbottom’s marketing manager, Christianne Kania. “We pride ourselves in designing and manufacturing high quality products. This means we can give them a new lease of life by helping to raise money for a fantastic cause. It also helps to minimise the impact that the clothing industry is having on the environment.”

Great North Air Ambulance, which is not NHS-funded, offers pioneering pre-hospital care to the scene; rescuing hundreds of patients with severe injuries or illness every year.

Also commenting is Great North Air Ambulance’s community collection co-ordinator, Ellen Raine. “We are always looking for people who are willing to hold community collections and be a designated place where people can bring their donations. We would like to take the time to thank everyone who donates to us; with the support of the public, we are able to save lives day after day.”