Employees at Chevron's Pembroke refinery have chosen a charity they would like to support as part of the company's community engagement programme for 2011.

In a well-supported ballot of all employees and contractors, the charity selected is the Welsh Air Ambulance (WAA). This Welsh charity plays a vital role in life in Wales and celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

Chevron Pembroke refinery has a good reputation of community engagement and support throughout the county of Pembrokeshire. As well as over 100 organisations and good causes supported by the company each year in Pembrokeshire, the status of Charity of the Year provides special focus for colleagues' extra fundraising efforts.

Each year, colleagues from across the refinery often approach the policy, public and government affairs (PGPA) department with their own fundraising ideas, either as individuals or groups, and, by choosing a feature charity, it can be the recipient for much additional fundraising.

"PGPA work touches every aspect of Pembroke refinery life and it is excellent to see the enthusiasm and support given to charitable causes by our colleagues," said Jane James, PGPA manager at Chevron's refinery. "I must thank members of the refinery's community engagement committee who also provide valuable support to our charitable and community support programme."

Mike Ashbridge, fundraising co-ordinator for WAA, said: "Wales Air Ambulance is absolutely delighted to have been chosen by the employees of Chevron Pembroke Refinery as their Charity of the Year. 2011 is our 10th anniversary and this announcement is a wonderful start to the year and will provide a boost to all our fundraising activities throughout the next 12 months. Chevron Pembroke refinery sits at the very heart of commercial life in Pembrokeshire and to have the support of the company and its employees is very, very special to us."

The Welsh Air Ambulance operates three helicopters and offers year-round emergency air cover for those facing life-threatening illness or injury. With its widely scattered population and varied landscape, many people in Wales live in isolated locations far from accident and emergency treatment. Also, in more urban environments with dense traffic, the helicopters can save crucial time between a call-out and access to care.

The helicopters are based in north, mid and south Wales and can be mobilised in three minutes and land anywhere in the country within 20 minutes.

The charity raises all of the funds to cover its day-to-day running from the people of Wales and receives no government support.

As it is an emergency service, it cannot apply for National Lottery funding.