Santa Bus raises more than £26k for Brighton & Hove charities
The city’s Santa Bus raised £26,767 for 12 local charities and community groups as generous local people dug deep over Christmas.
The Santa Bus, now in its 19th year and run by Brighton & Hove Buses, has raised £370k for local organisations since it began in 2004 and it's still going strong.
More than 50 local businesses were part of the fundraising effort, most of them volunteering as Santa Bus collection points, while others donated their services, such as printing and distributing leaflets.
The Santa Bus visited more than 200 streets in Brighton & Hove in the lead up to Christmas and it also made a special trip to visit children at Chestnut Tree children’s hospice in Arundel. One company, Paladone, donated more than 100 sensory light toys as Christmas presents for the children at the hospice.
“We’re so grateful to Brighton & Hove Buses for their ongoing support,” said Alison Taylor at Chestnut Tree House. “The Santa Bus is a highlight for so many families across Brighton & Hove, and it’s an honour to be one of the chosen charities.
“Children’s hospice care is only possible thanks to the ongoing support of our local community, and each year we’re blown away by everyone’s generosity. The amount raised by the Santa Bus in 2021 could provide two children with a day of fun, laughter, care and support at Chestnut Tree House.
“But it doesn’t stop at the donations. The Brighton & Hove Buses team always go above and beyond, and just before Christmas, the Santa Bus made a special visit to Chestnut Tree House. The children loved seeing all the lights and Santa and his elves waving from the top of the bus – it was truly magical for everyone involved. Thank you.”
Brighton & Hove Buses’ Managing Director Ed Wills, who drove the Santa Bus one night, said he was impressed by the response to the Santa Bus appeal.
“What a delight it was to drive the Santa Bus and to see so many people smiling and having a good time, especially after the last couple of years we've all had,” said Ed.
“The Santa Bus is powered by the magic of people who give their time and money, and show support by coming out to give Santa a cheery wave on the night. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has made the Santa Bus happen this year. It's a real team effort.
“Colleagues from across Brighton & Hove and Metrobus, and their family and friends, volunteered almost 1,000 hours of their own time to get the Santa Bus ready and to keep it running over 18 nights. Their generosity and support has been overwhelming.
“Local charities and organisations are the lifeblood of Brighton and Hove, supporting people when they most need help and giving advice all year round. I am so pleased their work has been recognised and that each charity will receive at least £2000. What a great piece of news to start 2022.”
The chosen Santa Bus charities for 2021 were: Albion in the Community, BHT Sussex, Brighton Sussex University Hospitals Charity, Chestnut Tree House, East Sussex Credit Union Foundation, Impact Initiatives, Martlets, Motor Neurone Disease Association, Racial Harassment Forum, Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, Switchboard and Together Co.
Brighton & Hove and Metrobus contributed £12k to the money raised.
More information: www.buses.co.uk/Santabus