Stagecoach South has donated over £31,967 of excess change collected during lockdown to NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Appeal that supports NHS staff, volunteers and patients in ways above and beyond what NHS funding can ordinarily provide.
Under the temporary scheme, the company, which operates across Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex, encouraged the use of exact fare to provide reassurance and added protection for drivers and customers.
Where change cannot be given the money is collected ready to donate to the charity.
Keith Gait, Customer Service Director for Stagecoach South said: “We really appreciated customers’ co-operation when the temporary exact fare scheme was implemented. Most people are now paying via contactless methods but we do recognise that some of our customers still rely on cash to pay for their journeys.
“The scheme helps to keep handling of cash to a minimum and we would like to thank everyone in keeping both customers and drivers safe during this difficult time. We’re pleased to be able to donate these funds to a very worthy cause.”
NHS Charities Together is the umbrella organisation for the country’s NHS charities and is the official national charity partner of the NHS with more than 230 NHS Charity members. So far, the charity has received over £130 million from donors, fundraisers and supporters across the UK, with the money being used to support 1.5 million NHS workers, provided staff and patients with well being hubs, iPads, activity packs and long term mental health support.
Commenting on Stagecoach South’s donation Ellie Orton, Chief Executive of NHS Charities Together said: “Thank you, Stagecoach South and customers, for your kind donations. The money raised is funding grants to help NHS charities support NHS staff, volunteers and patients in ways above and beyond what NHS funding can ordinarily provide, from meeting immediate and urgent needs to supporting the long-term recovery from the impact of the crisis. Thank you!”
