Stagecoach has unveiled a special ‘poppy bus’ in West Cumbria ahead of Remembrance Day.
The themed wrap supports the Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal, and has seen the bus operator make a contribution to the charity.
The specially-designed poppy bus can be seen on the service 30, which runs between Maryport, Workington, Distington, Whitehaven, Thornhill and Frizington.
Rob Jones, Managing Director of Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire, said: “I’m delighted that we have a dedicated poppy bus out on the road, designed in partnership to support The Royal British Legion.
“As a business with a number of staff who are former service personnel, we are extremely proud of the poppy bus and the awareness it will help raise to support the armed forces community past and present, particularly in these difficult and challenging times.”
Poppy buses have been a popular fundraiser for the Poppy Appeal in recent years, and with the Armed Forces also involved in the battle against COVID-19, the support is more valuable than ever before.
Royal British Legion Community Fundraiser Ellie Smith-Barratt said: “We are delighted that Stagecoach have been able to support this year’s Poppy Appeal in this way. It is a great way to raise the profile of the appeal in these difficult times.
“Dealing with the pandemic has brought home the sense of duty we all have to protect the most vulnerable in our society and our way of life. The same sense of duty has endured through generations of our Armed Forces community from the oldest of our Second World War veterans to the newest recruits and this year, once again, they have been there when we needed them, standing alongside essential workers on the front line against COVID-19.
“Marking Remembrance this year will be very important for many people for many reasons this year as much if not more than ever.”
The Legion’s work is providing vital support to people from all generations who face new hardships, as a result of COVID-19 such as struggling with social isolation, financial difficulties, and unemployment, losing loved ones or facing the threat of homelessness.
Mrs Smith-Barratt added: “Fundraising has of course been challenging this year, but people have stepped up to the challenge, by doing things differently.
“We still need that support as we head into lockdown. The public can still purchase poppies at supermarkets, they can download a printable poppy to display in their window, or do a virtual Poppy Run, Every Poppy Counts, so we are asking the public to support in any way they can.”
