First Bus in Sheffield supported its local foodbanks over the Christmas period, offering help to three charities; Church Food Hub in Woodhouse, S2 Foodbank at St. Swithun’s Church, Burngreave, and S20 Foodbank in Mosborough.
First provided Christmas meals during the lead up to Christmas, the food being distributed by the foodbank to those in need. In addition, on the lead up to Christmas Eve and to help spread festive cheer, the bus operator had Santa driving around the city on a dedicated Christmas bus with his helpers, handing out chocolates and sweets to passengers.
Rosey Andrassy from the Food Hub in Woodhouse said: “I would like to say a big thank you to First Bus Sheffield for their generous donation of 24 Christmas meals, and the support given by Asda at Handsworth, which will provide those clients in most need with a hot festive Christmas meal.”
A spokesperson for the S2 Foodbank added: “I would like to thank you so much for the Christmas meals that First Bus are donating to our clients that use our S2 Foodbank. Our clients and their children will be so grateful for your generosity and kindness over this Christmas time and I’m sure your donation will help go towards making their Christmas a special time for them,” whist a counterpart at the S20 Foodbank commented: “We are very grateful for the generosity of First Bus in assisting us in providing Christmas lunch hampers to our clients this Christmas. This will make a massive difference to individuals and families in enabling them to have everything that they need to enjoy a Christmas meal this year.”
Operations Director at First Bus Rob Hughes commented: “It has been a challenging year for a lot of people with the cost-of-living crisis, high utility bills and food prices at their highest they have been for many years. Many people will be struggling to put a Christmas meal on the table for their families this year, and we wanted to help. Local foodbanks provide a fantastic service in our communities all year round and we wanted to do our bit to support them by providing a Christmas meal for people who are in need.
“In addition, we wanted to spread a little Christmas cheer on the lead up to the festive season, thanking our customers for travelling with us. Santa and his helpers will be out and about on our buses giving out sweets and chocolate and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I would like to thank everyone that has travelled with us over the last year and wish you and your families a peaceful and prosperous new year for 2024.”
Local MP Clive Betts, MP for Sheffield South East added: “First Bus should be congratulated for once again acting to help families in need over Christmas, I see on a daily basis families struggling with bills that they simply cannot pay. I hope First Bus provides an example for others to follow.”
