Stagecoach employees in West Scotland are this week delivering donations to local foodbanks after taking part in a charity football match in Ayr earlier this month to support the Trussell Trust.
Approximately 50 members of staff from the Ayr, Kilmarnock, Ardrossan, Stranraer and Cumbernauld bus depots collected donations from among their local colleagues in aid of the foodbank charity, which is one of Stagecoach‘s official charity partners for 2023.
At the end of their first such tournament since the pandemic, Ayr emerged victorious after being Kilmarnock in the final.
Emma Revie, Chief Executive at the Trussell Trust, says: “We thank the team at Stagecoach for their incredible support. With rising living and energy costs, more and more people walking through the doors of food banks are telling us they’re skipping meals so they can feed their children. They are also turning off essential appliances so they can afford internet access for their kids to do homework.”
“Foodbank staff and volunteers will always do all they can to help people in their communities. They do this every day, but ultimately, no one in the UK should need a food bank – all of us should have enough money for the essentials like food, clothing and heating. The support of Stagecoach will help food banks to continue to provide that lifeline of emergency support, while we work together in the long term to ensure everyone can afford the essentials.”
The Trussell Trust supports a nationwide network of centres to provide food for those affected by poverty. Last year it was supported by Stagecoach Manchester, while it was also the chosen cause for Arriva bus driver trainer Neil Atherton – aka the ‘Bus Walker’ for his exploits.
Fiona Doherty, Managing Director of Stagecoach West Scotland, adds: “We are proud to partner with The Trussell Trust, who do such important work to the local communities around the West of Scotland. Many colleagues from around the business took part in this event which not only helps with donations but also raising awareness of the importance of foodbanks in local communities.”
