Local Bannockburn bus operator, First Scotland East, has painted one of its buses pink to help raise awareness for the ‘Chloe McIntyre Memorial Fund’ on behalf of Yorkhill Children’s Charity.
The new look bus, now one of the most recognisable in Central Scotland, marks the latest initiative from employees at First Scotland East to support the charity. In June this year bus drivers, engineers, apprentices, mechanics, cleaners, admin staff and bosses from First Scotland East’s Bannockburn depot all took part in a sponsored trek.
First’s fundraising efforts have been inspired by the tragic case of Chloe McIntyre from Calendar who passed away aged just six weeks in 2008 due to a heart condition, Truncas Arteriosis. A campaign including Unite the Union raised more than £2,500 for the Chloe McIntyre Memorial Fund – the cash has been to support the specialised Children’s Ward at Yorkhill Hospital.
Operations Manager at First Scotland East’s Bannockburn Depot, Jason Hackett, has been instrumental in promoting the campaign in the depot and local community. He said: “We’re very proud of our pink bus – it’s definitely the most eye-catching in our fleet, and probably the most distinctive bus in Scotland.”
He continued: “We were all deeply moved by the story of Chloe, and after the success of our sponsored walk we wanted to do something more to help raise awareness. Painting our bus pink seemed like a really visible and powerful way of supporting the charity.”
Kirsten Sinclair Head of Fundraising from Yorkhill Children’s Charity thanked staff for their commitment and enthusiasm. She said: “We were extremely grateful to the staff in June who raised money for us at the Blairlogie Trek. I’m absolutely thrilled that First has gone one step further and painted one of its buses pink. This is helping raise awareness of our appeal.”
She continued: “Staff from First Scotland East’s Bannockburn Depot are an inspiration and have really taken the Chloe McIntyre Memorial Fund to their hearts. I could not be more impressed with their enthusiasm and dedication.”