Chailey Heritage Foundation and Demelza House can look forward to an early Christmas present from airshow fans, as the two charities are set to receive over £10,000 from donation money collected at this year’s Airbourne.
Over £35,000 was donated in total by visitors to this year’s airshow, with 30% allocated to charity and the remainder funding future flying displays at the show.
With each charity receiving £5,280.57, the donation figure marks an increase of over a quarter on donations last year, following a record-breaking Airbourne this summer.
The collection, run by local hoteliers Marco and Cathy Giorgi along with the Rotary Clubs of Sovereign Harbour and Hailsham, helps to fund the flying displays each year at the show, with 30% of the proceeds being earmarked for local charities.
The cheque will be presented by the Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, Cllr David Tutt, on 11 November, at a thank you event held for the charities and the many Airbourne volunteers, from bucket collectors to safety boat teams.
Cllr David Tutt commented “It is a pleasure to be able to pass these donations on to two incredible Sussex charities. Our thanks go to the many volunteers who made this year’s airshow such an astounding success, and of course to the many people who donated – your support is much appreciated and will help bring even more magic to the skies over Eastbourne next year.”
This year’s airshow enjoyed its busiest day ever, with Red Arrows displays every day, a brand new entertainment stage on the beach and the historic flight of the last two remaining airworthy Lancaster bombers in the world, both reunited over Eastbourne.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism & Leisure, Cllr Carolyn Heaps said “This year’s show proved to be our best yet, and it is thanks to public support through these donations, that we can fund such a fantastic flying display. It is great to see this support increasing year on year – thanks again to everyone who contributed to the future of Airbourne and these two worthy charities.”
Shadow Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure & Sports Services, Cllr Philip Ede added “This year we had record attendance at the airshow and the generosity of visitors was exceptional. The money received is important for these two worthy charities and for the funding of the airshow itself. Special thanks should go to Marco and Cathy for their hard work and for the time and effort of the many Rotarians who volunteered to do the collecting”.
Chailey Heritage Foundation is a charitable school in Sussex, helping children and young adults with severe physical disabilities. Demelza House support over 800 life-limited children and their families across East Sussex, Kent and South East London.
Airbourne returns next year from 13 – 16 August. For more information or to make a donation towards Airbourne 2015, visit EastbourneAirshow.com.
IMAGE CREDIT : RAF ASSOCIATION
Five hundred prints of painting available for sale, each signed by all 10 of the 2014 Red Arrows team
