Stagecoach customers across the country have been thanked for their support in making a major donation to the NHS Charities Together coronavirus COVID-19 Appeal.
Through overpayments made during the company’s temporary exact fares policy, which was enforced to reduce cash handling in buses, excess funds totalling over £122,000 have been raised and will support the NHS Charities Together Appeal.
It includes £26,897 raised in South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, and £19,000 raised in Manchester.
The money will help NHS charities support NHS staff, volunteers and patients in hospitals, kitting out Wobble Rooms – dedicated staff relaxation areas – as well as electronic tablets for patients to communicate with loved ones and activities for young patients in mental health wards and in the community.
“We have been overwhelmed by the support from businesses across the country,” says Ellie Orton, Chief Executive of NHS Charities. “A big thank you to Stagecoach and its passengers for raising such an incredible amount.
“Coronavirus COVID-19 is still such a big part of everyone’s life, impacting on our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. All donations will help NHS charities across the UK to support hospitals, ambulance services, community healthcare and social care in people’s recovery from the short- and long-term effects of the virus.”
Adds Carla Stockton-Jones, Managing Director for Stagecoach: “We would like to thank our customers for their help in raising such a fantastic amount for this worthy charity.
“We’re very proud of the incredible job that all key workers, including our own employees, are continuing to do as part of the national effort and are pleased that this money will be going to support those who have supported many others during these difficult times.
“In the past few months, we’ve all had to make changes to the way we live and travel to prevent the spread of coronavirus COVID-19. Many people have found it easy and convenient to pay for their journey using contactless or by mobile and we would encourage our customers to continue to do so where possible.”
