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Stagecoach South Fundraises for Shooting Star Children Hospices

31 Jan 2025

Throughout December, Stagecoach South brought holiday magic to the streets with their festive Santa Bus, delighting the local community and raising an incredible £2,596.86 for Shooting Star Children’s Hospices.

 

Guildford Depot team handover large cheque to Shooting Star Children's Hospice

In a heartwarming gesture, representatives from Stagecoach South handed over the donation to the charity with a large ceremonial cheque, symbolising the community’s generosity and support.

One of the Guildford network’s buses was transformed into a Winter Wonderland, with an eye-catching exterior featuring Santa Claus and his reindeer. Inside, passengers were greeted by colourful lights, shimmering tinsel, and a truly joyful festive atmosphere. 

In Guildford, the Santa Bus made stops at community “Hot Spots,” creating memorable experiences for children and families. Visitors were treated to festive goodie bags, including a custom-designed colouring book inspired by the Santa Bus itself, allowing kids to bring their own artistic touch to the magic.

To make supporting the cause even easier, QR codes were strategically placed on the bus, enabling passengers to donate directly via their mobile devices. The bus was also staffed by none other than Santa and his helpful elf, who spread holiday cheer while collecting donations from generous passengers onboard.

Thanks to the dedication of the Stagecoach South team and the goodwill of the local community, the initiative raised vital funds for Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, a charity that provides compassionate care and support to babies, children, and young people with life-limiting conditions, as well as their families, across south-west London, north-west London, and Surrey.

A spokesperson for Shooting Star Children’s Hospices said, “We are incredibly grateful to Stagecoach South and everyone who contributed to this wonderful initiative. The money raised will help us continue to provide vital care and support for families facing the most challenging of circumstances. It’s truly inspiring to see the community come together in such a magical way to make a difference.”

Graham Harmer, Operations Manager for Guildford, commented “We are so grateful to everyone who joined in the festive fun and donated so generously to support the incredible work of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices. This is a cause that is close to many hearts, and it’s wonderful to see the community come together to make a difference.”

Stagecoach South’s annual Santa Bus continues to be a cherished tradition, not only bringing festive joy but also making a meaningful impact on local charities. The team looks forward to continuing this initiative and spreading even more cheer in the years to come.

For more information about Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and how they support families, please visit www.shootingstar.org.uk.