As ‘time to talk day’ today (February 4) encouraged people to speak about their mental health, Reading Buses are keen to keep their mental health Charity of the Year, Sport in Mind, firmly in everyone’s thoughts.
Despite having had to cancel their 2020 major annual fundraiser due to coronavirus, Reading Buses have still been actively supporting Sport in Mind. Over £2,000 has so far been raised by the bus operator from other activities and there will be further momentum in the coming weeks. Plans are being formulated for further fundraisers on behalf of Sport in Mind for the coming year
Following the cancellation of their ever-popular Open Day last June, Reading Buses decided to extend the partnership with Sport in Mind for another year to reflect the reduced possibility for fundraising.
Said the company’s HR Director Caroline Anscombe: “Time to Talk Day gives us a chance to reflect on how hard the past year has been and how people may be struggling mentally. We are proud to be supporting Sport in Mind, a mental health charity, and their work is more important than ever. “2020 was a hard year for everyone, with Covid-19 affecting normal life for most of that time.
“And charities have not been immune from the difficulties. Whilst we had to suspend many of our normal activities we have not been idle.“For example, in the past two months we have had our annual Christmas raffle which raised a stunning £827 for Sport in Mind.“Various other Christmas activities included Santa driving our buses, Christmas Jumper Days and wearing of accessories which raised over £500.
“We are currently selling Reading Buses branded items such as face coverings and hand sanitiser which have so far raised over £350 for our Charity of the Year.”
Reading Buses remind customers that face coverings are needed when travelling on their buses unless an individual has a legal exemption. “Anyone who doesn’t have their own washable face covering can always buy one from our website or the bus shop and at the same time support Sport in Mind,” added Caroline.
Said Neil Harris, Founder of Sport in Mind: ”It’s been a challenging year for all of us, but it’s still been so exciting for Sport in Mind to be Reading Buses charity of the year and seeing how the staff have been trying to raise funds to support our charity.
“We’ve loved the fun Christmas jumper days, raffle and seeing Santa driving a bus. At a time when so many people are struggling with their mental health our charity’s work has never been more important so it’s brilliant to see so many people supporting us by buying branded items such as face coverings from Reading Buses.”
