Stagecoach Santa Makes a Special Delivery for Night Before Christmas Campaign Charity Appeal

Stagecoach have announced that donation collections are underway for the ‘Night Before Christmas Campaign’ charity appeal, as Santa tours the West Coast of Scotland collecting donations in the world’s-first electric midi bus.

Santa’s Grotto Bus has been spreading festive cheer all across the West Coast, making his first stop at the Night Before Christmas Campaign HQ in Annbank.

Stagecoach and the Night Before Christmas Campaign (NB4CC) are now asking all those who can, to kindly donate money and gifts, such as warm clothes and toys, making a massive difference to those in need this Christmas.

Whilst tickets have sold out for the Santa’s Grotto events, Stagecoach’s depots in Ayr, Arran and Kilmarnock will act as drop off points for the public and the bus provider is also asking for volunteers to give up their time to help pack and deliver bags for the charity. More information can be found on https://www.nightbeforechristmas.co.uk/ and on the Night Before Christmas Facebook page.

Fiona Doherty, Stagecoach West Scotland Managing Director said: “We are delighted by the positive response to Santa’s Grotto Bus and are proud to support the Night Before Christmas campaign.  It has been amazing to see our own employees donating, with some of our drivers working their rest days and donating their full shift pay to the cause. Before Santa completes his trip, we urge anyone who can, to donate or volunteer so we can give the gift of Christmas to those most in need this year.”

Jodie McFarlane, Head Elf at NB4CC said: “Our Stagecoach Santa’s Grotto Bus is still on tour, raising funds and awareness for our charity, the Night before Christmas Campaign. Although ticket slots are fully booked, we’d ask people to please stop by and the elves will squeeze them in, for a small donation to the charity!”

“This week we’re in Dumfries, and next week we finish the tour by visiting Kilmarnock and Ayr bus stations. We can’t thank people enough for their donations so far. With so many referrals coming in from families in need, there’s still lots to be done before Christmas. If you can donate or give some of your time, please stop by Elf Headquarters in Annbank.”

Stagecoach has also announced this year’s festive timetables with regular bus services running across West Scotland to get you where you need to be over the festive period.

•   Christmas Eve: All West Scotland services will follow a normal Tuesday (non-school day) timetable, with early finishes.

•   New Year’s Eve: All West Scotland (excluding D&G) services will follow a normal Saturday timetable, with early finishes.

Between Christmas and New Year: Services will operate a Saturday timetable, excluding Dumfries, which will follow a normal non-school day service. On Boxing Day, D&G bus services will not run, other than services 236/246 and 358/360 going into Ayrshire.

The festive timetables are on the Stagecoach website: https://www.stagecoachbus.com/timetables