STAGECOACH MANCHESTER BUS DRIVERS GET DRESSED UP TO RAISE MONEY FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Stagecoach Manchester bus drivers have been donning their festive gear to help raise money for local charity, Forever Manchester.

Forever Manchester fundraises to support local, grassroots activity across Greater Manchester. All money raised is used to fund and support over 1,500 community projects across the region each year.

Stagecoach has been working in partnership with Forever Manchester since 2019, with staff and customers donating whatever they can over the festive period using onboard collection buckets.

Last year the collection raised £3,000 and Stagecoach expects this year’s total to be even higher.

Drivers across Greater Manchester have surprised customers with their festive get ups, including Elves as well as Father Christmas himself. 

The drivers will be dressed up and collecting donations until Christmas Eve, so customers have just a few days left to hop on a bus to donate this Christmas.

One of the dressed-up drivers, Katie, said: “It’s been amazing to see our passengers’ reactions this year - I’ve even had a child that’s stopped walking, pointed and said ‘wow, it’s an elf!’ 

“Not only has it helped get Manchester in the festive spirit, but it’s fantastic to know that we’re really helping make a difference and give back to our local community.”

Rob Jones, Stagecoach Manchester’s Managing Director, said: “As a company, we understand just how important it is to support the communities we serve.  Across the many neighbourhoods on our bus routes there are thousands of people involved in community activity that helps to bring people together, which is why we are so proud to partner with Forever Manchester to raise money that helps to support these many local initiatives. 

“A huge thank you goes out to our drivers and customers for their generosity this year – Merry Christmas!”