Quiz queen's online fundraiser takes off for Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance
Campbeltown's quiz queen Helen Gilchrist has scored top marks from Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) for her lockdown fundraising fun. A series of weekly online quizzes staged by the charity champion has raised £7,000 for the country's life-saving charity helicopter air ambulance service.
A further £7,000 raised at the Friday fundraisers will be donated to a raft of local charities to help offset funding gaps caused by the Covid-19 restrictions. Helen's quizzes have attracted up to 1,000 weekly players from all over the world with ex-pats tuning in online from as far afield as New Zealand, Canada, the USA and Qatar.
"It's been amazing," explained Helen. "I've staged many charity quizzes in the town in the past but had no idea it would prove so popular when I tried hosting one online.
"The first one attracted around 1,000 players of all ages and hundreds have joined in during the 11-week run. I'm absolutely thrilled to have raised so much money but it's been a real community effort, backed by the wonderful people in Campbeltown."
Helen said the charity chosen to receive the bulk of the proceeds had proved popular with players.
"SCAA is a regular sight in the Campbeltown area and we know just what a vital and valuable service it provides to our community," said Helen. "It's a lifesaver.
"The charity is completely funded by public giving and I'm delighted we are able to play our part in supporting SCAA during these difficult times. SCAA has given so much to our community and everyone taking part in the quiz was more than happy to support their vital service. There are many residents, workers and visitors in this area who owe a lot to SCAA and its life-saving crew and they need our support now more than ever."
After 11 weeks, Helen felt it was time to call a halt to the weekly quiz but has promised to set up a monthly challenge for her worldwide online audience in the future.
"We've had great fun and many friendships have been formed," she said, "so I've decided not to stop altogether." Helen added that the donation to SCAA was made in memory of local paramedic Robert Black who died after contracting Coronavirus.
Nick Harvey, Director of Fundraising and Communications with Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance, said Helen's "fantastic fundraising" would prove vital for SCAA and other charities in the Campbeltown area.
"Helen has proved that lockdown is no barrier to having fun and raising funds and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has taken part and supported SCAA," he said. "SCAA is there 12 hours a day, 365 days a year for the people of Campbeltown - as we are for others right across Scotland - and we depend on support such as this to keep us flying for those most in need."