Carbon Stoppers donation hailed as a ' wonderful surprise'
A CHARITY which supports parents and relatives who have suffered the tragic loss of a baby is £250 better off thanks to Transdev Yellow Buses (TYB) and the Daily Echo.
S.P..R.I.N.G (Supporting Parents and Relatives In Neonatal Grief) is the latest good cause to benefit from the joint Carbon Stoppers initiative.
Established 11 years ago, and based at Poole Maternity Unit, S.P.R.I.N.G supports parents and relatives who have experienced the death of a baby during pregnancy, at, or just after birth. This includes miscarriage, stillbirth and termination for foetal abnormality.
The charity costs about £40,000 a year to run with about half coming from donations and the rest from fundraising.
A dedicated team of helpers provides counselling, support and care. The charity also maintains the Snowdrop Garden in Poole Cemetery and the S.P.R.I.N.G Suite at Poole Maternity Unit.
Kate Ward, Acting Chairman, described the Carbon Stoppers donation as “a wonderful surprise.”
She added: “The money will be used to support parents and relatives at the most devastating time of their lives and we’re very grateful.”
Carbon Stoppers was jointly launched by TYB – named Shire Operator of the Year at the UK Bus Awards - and the Echo last autumn. Carbon Stoppers was also ‘highly commended’ at the 2009 UK Bus Awards.
Each week the bus company holds a ‘Thank You Thursday’ when every trip taken on the day contributes to a separately administered Community Chest.
TYB has pledged a minimum donation of £50 per week to the fund which is available to schools, community groups and good causes in its coverage area. Echo readers are invited to nominate worthy recipients.
Carbon Stoppers is believed to be the first initiative of its kind in the UK bus industry. It is heavily promoted on TYB’s buses, used by more than 13m passengers per annum, and its website.
TYB has guaranteed its involvement in the project until at least the end of this year. To date, a total of £2,950 has been raised.
Other good causes to benefit include Bournemouth Talking Newspaper, Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, Cherry Tree Nursery, Life Education Wessex, Hospital Radio Bedside, Waggy Tails Rescue, Bournemouth People.First, Nile 20, Rebound Gym Club, Caring Canines and the Pink Champagne Dragon Boat Team.
Picture caption: Cash boost: TYB's Sally Spicer (right) and Jon Galpin present the Carbon Stoppers cheque for £250 to Rita Pressman and Kate Ward of S.P.R.I.N.G
Uploaded: 3rd December 2009
