The Lions Clubs of Jersey and Guernsey have joined forces to donate five new Survitec Survival Suits for Channel Islands Air Search.
The suits will ensure Channel Islands Air Search (CIAS) remains fully equipped to carry out its search and rescue operations across the Channel Islands.
The need for additional survival suits arose due to an increase in crew members and the dynamics of gender diversity within the team. This latest donation builds on the Lions’ long-standing support for the charity, which began over 44 years ago when the club helped CIAS purchase their first aircraft, named ‘Lions Pride’, which it has retained in recognition of the Lions’ contribution.
In 2019, the two Lions Clubs also funded the initial survival suits and noise-cancelling headphones for the crew. The suits have an ergonomic design that allows easy movement and performance of tasks and padding in high wear areas which makes them highly durable.
Lions Clubs International is a global organisation dedicated to supporting communities through charitable initiatives. The Jersey club started in 1963, and a Guernsey club was formed four years later. Both clubs support their local communities through fund
raising and community service.
Phillippa Knight, a Governor of the Jersey Friends of CIAS, said: “We’re trying to promote awareness of Air Search, to encourage people to donate to help us stay in the air.
“It’s very much about getting out there in the public view and getting them to understand that this is something that we really need, and it’s so important to both islands.”
Channel Islands Air Search provides essential airborne search and rescue services across the Channel Islands and surrounding waters. The organisation relies on the support of volunteers and generous community contributions to maintain its operations.
John Fitzgerald, Accountable Manager of CIAS, said: “We would like to thank the Lions Clubs of Jersey and Guernsey for their incredible generosity and unwavering support over the years.
“The suits are a vital addition to our operations, enabling our growing and diverse team to carry out search and rescue missions safely and effectively, and ensure we remain equipped to serve the Channel Islands community.”
Pictured: Left to right – Tony Corbin – Lions Club of Guernsey member; Rob Holder – LCG president; David Hugo – President of Guernsey Friends of CIAS; Mark Seabrook – CIAS pilot; John Fitzgerald – CIAS pilot; Malcolm Annan – Treasurer of Jersey Friends of CIAS; Damon Greber – President of LC of Jersey; Philippa Knight – member of Jersey Friends of CIAS
