Charity route just the ticket for First

Bus drivers in Greater Manchester will be asked to pick which local charities should benefit from a £50,000 initiative.

First Bus has launched a new charity and sponsorship panel and is asking groups to apply for a slice of the cash pot over the next 12 months.

The panel is made up of staff members who get the final say on which causes will get a helping hand.

First is particularly keen to hear from charities linked to health, young people and the environment.

Wilf Shannon, a bus driver for First and part of the new charity and sponsorship panel, said: “I am looking forward to being given the chance to decide which local charities and individuals get a donation.

“Both myself and many of my colleagues regularly raise money for local charities and this is a great chance for First to work as a team to help those who are in need of financial assistance.”

Dave Alexander, regional managing director for First in the North, added: “Our staff, most notably our bus drivers, are right at the heart of local communities and therefore it seemed the obvious decision to ask them who they think should get a share of our charity money.

“We would like to hear from any charity or individual with a worthy fund-raising cause, to apply via our application process.”

For more information go to First’s website www.firstgroup.com/ukbus and press on the region where you live or travel on First buses.