Reading Buses is a good neighbour
READING Buses is being a good neighbour to its new charity partner for this year, announced on Friday, writes Natalie Burton.
Employees chose to support homelessness charity New Beginnings Reading.
It is based next door to the bus depot, in the repurposed Queen’s Arms pub on Great Knollys Street.
The launch event featured a branded bus which will raise awareness of the charity and support fundraising events over the next 12 months.
Robert Williams, Reading Buses’ chief executive officer, said that the company is pleased to be supporting New Beginnings.
“After a tough couple of years due to the pandemic, it feels great to support a charity that specialises in helping people cope with modern life and get back on their feet,” he explained.
“We are hoping that over the next year, with the support of our employees and the generosity of customers, friends and families we can raise a large sum of money for them.”
Fundraising activities this year will include the Reading Buses open day, which returns in June.
Simon Schnieders, trustee from New Beginnings Reading thanked Reading Buses for choosing them as this year’s charity partner.
“We’re overjoyed,” he said. “Our volunteers work tirelessly to support the homeless and local community.
“We simply could not afford the extra visibility this gives, and we’re really grateful for Reading Buses’ fundraising ambitions for us.”
The charity has transformed the Queens Arms pub into a base for its operations and services, which include an all-night café, a night shelter for the homeless and a community fridge to distribute free food to those in need.