The re3 Partnership – a waste disposal partnership between Bracknell Forest Council, Reading Borough Council and Wokingham Borough Council, working with FCC Environment – has presented a cheque for £5,807 to Thames Valley Air Ambulance in support of the charity’s lifesaving work across the region.
The total was raised through a combination of community and staff-led initiatives over the past year. This included nearly £4,000 generated through re3’s popular pop-up shops, where residents were able to purchase second-hand goods, previously deposited at the local recycling centres. These events not only gave items a second life but also enabled local people to directly contribute to a vital emergency service.
Additional funds were raised through a series of team fundraising activities organised by FCC Environment staff, including a sponsored skydive and other challenges.
Earlier this month, Cllr Katrin Harding, re3 Joint Waste Disposal Board Member and re3 team visited the charity’s headquarters in Stokenchurch, where the cheque was formally presented. The visit included a tour of the operational base and Education Centre, highlighting the importance of specialist training, lifesaving skills and the critical care provided by the service. The team also learned that many patients suffer cardiac arrest, reinforcing the importance of immediate bystander CPR in increasing survival chances and the vital role everyone can play in saving lives.
In a joint statement, Cllr Karen Rowland, Chair of the Joint Waste Disposal Board and Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety; Cllr Helen Purnell, Vice-Chair of the Joint Waste Disposal Board and Bracknell Forest Council’ Cabinet Member for the Environment, Community and Housing and Cllr Katrin Harding, Wokingham Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, said:
“This has been a fantastic example of what can be achieved when our communities come together for a shared cause. From donating items at re3 Reuse Areas at both recycling centres to purchasing items at re3 pop-up shops, residents have played a direct role in funding lifesaving missions. The fundraising effort will help support at least two critical missions, which is an incredible achievement and highlights how community-driven initiatives can have a direct impact on saving lives. Seeing first-hand the incredible work of Thames Valley Air Ambulance and understanding how these contributions translate into real emergency response, really brings home the importance of initiatives like this. We’re very proud of the collective effort and generosity shown across the re3 boroughs.”
Emma Riley, Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships at Thames Valley Air Ambulance, said:
“re3 partnership is committed to investing in their community, and what better investment is there than lifesaving care? Our crews bring the best possible critical care to the most seriously ill and injured people across the region, whenever and wherever they need it. We’re called out an average of nine times each day but receive no government or NHS funding. Thank you so much to re3 Partnership, not only from our charity, but from the patients and their families who will benefit from this significant donation.”
Scott Adams, re3 General Manager, FCC Environment’s, added:
“We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved through this fundraising effort. It’s been inspiring to see our team take on personal challenges, alongside local residents visiting and supporting the pop-up shops, to raise money for such an important cause. The visit to the headquarters really brought home the difference this support makes. Knowing that these funds will help deliver lifesaving missions makes the effort even more meaningful.”
This fundraising effort highlights the importance of community action, showing how small contributions – whether donating items, purchasing pre-loved goods, or taking part in work fundraising events – can collectively make a significant difference.
Thames Valley Air Ambulance relies on public and corporate support to continue operating its helicopter and critical care teams. Donations help fund emergency responses, medical equipment, training and education.
The re3 Partnership will continue its fundraising efforts, with the next pop-up shop taking place at Reading Recycling Centre on 16 May. Funds raised at this event will support a new chosen charity revealed at the event, continuing the partnership’s commitment to giving back to the community.
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From left: Kirti Makhija, FCC Environment; Cllr Katrin Harding, Wokingham Borough Council; Corina Bailey, FCC Environment; Emma Riley, Thames Valley Air Ambulance.
