Reading Buses has started its search for its 2023 Charity of the Year.
As in years before, the operator will find a local or national charity with a link to its local area to work with for the coming year.
Once found, Reading Buses will take part in fundraising initiatives, and profits from Reading Buses’ open day – held every summer – will go into the pot. The charity will also benefit from advertising on the operators’ buses, website and social media.
The company says that finding a charity partner has become an important part of its identity since the introduction of the Charity of the Year in 2008, with HR Director Caroline Anscombe revealing that it is a great way to give back to the local community.
“Being Reading Buses Charity of the Year is much more than just fundraising,” she says. “We can offer the chance to raise local awareness of a charity’s work through our network of services across Reading and the Thames Valley.
“We carry over 22 million people every year and the charity’s publicity will be featured on all our in-bus screens as well as on our website and social media channels.
“Our show stopper is one of our buses incorporating the charity’s own design on the sides and rear. This can be used on any – and all – our routes throughout the year and gets the charity’s message out to all parts of the communities on our network.”
Applications are open to local or national charities which demonstrate “a strong local link or commitment”. Application forms are available on the operator’s website and enquiries sent to coty@reading-buses.co.uk
Applications close on 31 October.
