Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is following guidance issued by the Government, Fundraising Regulator and the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, in relation to face-to-face fundraising. This includes face-to-face canvassing for our Flight for Life Lottery and regular giving initiatives which support our life-saving work.

The canvassers who undertake this work on our behalf, are working in line with Government risk assessments and new processes have been put in place to ensure the safety of both themselves and the public. Extra training has been provided and each canvasser will be wearing the respective level of personal protective equipment (PPE) required. They will also adhere to social distancing measures to ensure contactless interaction with members of the public. All canvassing activities will be kept under regular review and should the need arise, changes will be made in accordance with further guidance.

Caroline Guy, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Lottery Manager said:

Like many organisations, our income has been badly hit by the strictures of lockdown. In making the decision to restart face to face lottery canvassing, we consulted widely with other charities and were guided by the Fundraising Regulator.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have continued to deliver our life-saving service for 19 hours per day. This means that our expenditure has not dropped at all, in fact, extra COVID protective measures have added to our running expenses in certain areas.

We continue to operate in line with guidance from the Fundraising Regulator, however you can be assured that we are monitoring the situation very closely and if it is felt that the risks posed by our canvassing are rising, we will review our position on this.

Any queries relating to our door-to-door canvassing can be made by calling: 01202 849530 (9.00am – 5.00pm), or by emailing:[email protected]