How Ewout Benschop Brings Halloween Spirit and Community Support to Chichester

For the residents of Chichester, Bognor Regis and the local communities, Halloween just wouldn’t be the same without the brightly decorated "Halloween Bus" rolling through town, spreading cheer and raising funds. Behind this unique initiative is Ewout Benschop, a dedicated bus driver with a passion for giving back to his community.

This year, Ewout transformed the Chichester Halloween bus into a spectacle, decked out in spooky decorations that brought smiles to everyone who hopped aboard. Donning a Freddy Krueger costume and fully committing to the character, Ewout drove the bus through the streets, raising an impressive £786.68 for the Chichester District Foodbank, in just six days.

Originally from the Netherlands, Ewout has plenty of experience as a bus driver. In 2020, just as the UK was emerging from lockdown, he saw an opportunity to lift the community’s spirits. “The atmosphere was tough,” Ewout recalled, explaining how the idea for the Halloween Bus came about. “People were still recovering from lockdown, and I thought this could bring a bit of joy back into their daily routines.” What started as a small effort to brighten commutes has since grown into a cherished tradition.

This year, the Halloween Bus drew plenty of attention from the community. Passersby followed the bus, snapping photos, and Ewout received overwhelming positive feedback from passengers. For him, the Halloween Bus is more than just a ride; it’s a way to connect with people and foster a sense of community.

But Ewout’s commitment to service doesn’t stop there. In addition to his Halloween efforts, he volunteers as a Community First Responder for the South East Coast Ambulance Service. Through this role, Ewout has developed a range of skills, especially in assessing situations and calming those in distress. "When you walk through the door as a Community First Responder, there’s an instant sense of relief for those involved,” he shared, emphasising how meaningful it is to offer comfort and aid to people in medical need.

Ewout’s journey has been shaped by a life of service—even before becoming a bus driver, he worked as a medic with the Navy back in the Netherlands. This background in service continues to fuel his drive to give back, both through his volunteer work and by creating memorable experiences for the Chichester community.

The South East Coast Ambulance Service is always seeking new volunteers. If you’re inspired by Ewout’s story and want to make a difference, consider joining as a Community First Responder. You can learn more about volunteering opportunities here.

Through his dedication, Ewout has shown how one person’s creativity and compassion can make a meaningful impact on an entire community. From bringing Halloween cheer to offering comfort in emergencies, he’s a remarkable example of community spirit in action.