Air Ambulance warns of possible doorstep collection scam

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Charity (DSAA) is warning residents not to be confused by a commercial company which has been carrying out doorstep collections of clothing, jewellery, toys, and other items.

The company is called Air Ambulance Service (Trading Co Ltd) but has no official connection with the DSAA.

In fact, it is not known whether any money raised by the company has ever been given to any Air Ambulance charity.

It puts leaflets through people’s letterboxes showing a photograph of a yellow helicopter, similar to the one flown by Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, which can lead householders to think the company is supporting the Charity.

DSAA charity manager Charlotte Routley said: “It is causing distress to people when they later find out that this is a profit-making commercial company which has nothing to do with us at all.

“As well as taking away vital funds which could help keep our Air Ambulance flying over Dorset and Somerset, this company’s activities have even led to people mistakenly complaining to us about receiving frequent requests to donate items.

“We would like to make it absolutely clear to residents in Dorset and Somerset that our Charity does not collect anything from doorsteps.

“Instead, we work with our recycling partner Bag It Up Ltd, which has recycling banks in easily accessible locations all over Dorset and Somerset where people can take the items they want to donate.

“The only people who are likely to knock on somebody’s door on behalf of the DSAA are our Flight for Life Lottery fund-raisers, who will carry official identification but will never accept any money on the doorstep.”

The DSAA relies solely on donations from the public to raise the £3,800 a day it needs to keep its life-saving helicopter flying, as it does not receive any Government or National Lottery funding

The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and has attended more than 7,300 emergencies since its launch, saving many lives with the speed at which casualties have been taken to hospital.

More information about the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance can be found by visiting www.dorsetandsomersetairambulance.org.uk or by emailing info@dorsetandsomersetairambulance.org.uk or calling 01823 669604.