Picture: Credit – Reading Buses. Pictured Left to Right: Joanne Somner (RBC), Jo Warrior (RBC), Robert Williams (Reading Buses), Caroline Anscombe (Reading Buses), Mandy Howett (Reading Buses)
Reading Buses announced a huge, and record-breaking, fundraising total to end their partnership with the Royal Berks Charity last week on Monday 13 January.
At a ceremony at their depot at Great Knollys Street, Reading, the company unveiled a cheque for £20,361.68 for 2024’s fundraising effort – a new one-year record. This, when combined with the 2023 fundraising, brings the total raised for the charity to £32,101.63.
At the event, Robert Williams, Reading Buses Chief Executive Officer, outlined the company’s charity partnership and the activity that the company and its employees had done to raise such a massive amount. This ranged from cakes sales to charity walks, the main fundraiser was the company’s annual family Open Day in June.
Said Robert; “The team at the Royal Berks Charity do a fantastic job for a very worthy cause that is relevant to everybody. We are pleased that our extended two-year partnership broke so many records, including the highest amount raised at an Open Day and the most money raised overall.”
“Our Finance and IT Team walked the length of the purple 17 route, in appropriately purple costumes, raising a very impressive amount. For other fundraising, one of our finance team, Sharmila Perera and her mother created artwork to be displayed at the hospital and sold to raise funds, and driver trainer Stuart Kirby and family helped organise cake sales. There were also raffles at our annual awards night and at Christmas.”
Robert also highlighted the importance of the branded bus for the charity, “the branded bus is such a huge advert for the charity and really is a beacon around the town. It helps to raise awareness for the charity – and they helped by designing such a striking livery!”
Said Jo Warrior of The Royal Berks Charity “The incredible funds raised by the dedicated and generous team at Reading Buses are a true testament to their enthusiasm and commitment to our cause. Thanks to last year’s fundraising we were able to buy a special piece of equipment to help young patients with their breathing. This year, we plan to purchase a new incubator for our special care baby unit. Incubators provide a safe, controlled environment for babies born too soon or who are facing serious health challenges – offering the warmth, protection and specialised care they need to survive and thrive during those critical early days.
“The impact of Reading Buses’ support will continue long after our partnership ends. On behalf of the charity, and those whose lives you’ve touched, thank you”.
END