FirstGroup today revealed it has begun the search for a new national charity partner and confirmed its UK staff are currently voting on their preferred charity. First also said that it is to continue supporting current partner, Save the Children.
Following five years and some £4.5 million in cash and in-kind support for Save the Children, First’s Charity and Sponsorship Committee has interviewed and researched a wide range of charities and produced a shortlist of three potential partners. Throughout the month of April all 36,000 of First’s UK staff from its Bus, Rail and Group functions have the opportunity to vote on-line or by text and decide which of the following should be First’s new national charity partner.
Age UK
British Heart Foundation
Macmillan Cancer Support
Tim O’Toole, Chief Executive of FirstGroup said the partnership with Save the Children was incredibly successful and would continue. “Our staff have embraced Save the Children in a way we could not have predicted. Across the UK colleagues were running marathons, shaving heads, bathing in baked beans and all manner of other sponsorship activities to raise funds for children in the UK. The £4.5m in cash and in-kind that has been raised is an incredible total and I’m pleased to confirm that our support of Save the Children will continue.”
He added: “However, the search for a new national charity partner has begun and I think it is appropriate that we give our staff the opportunity to decide which one to support.
"All three of the shortlisted charities are fantastic causes that were selected for their strong links to our business priorities and the interesting fundraising opportunities they could offer to our employees. Whatever the outcome, I am looking forward to beginning a new chapter in our community engagement strategy.”
FirstGroup colleagues have until April 30th to register their votes. An announcement, revealing the successful charity, will be made in May.