Stagecoach raise over £75,000 for Demelza | Latest News

As lockdown restrictions kicked in at the beginning of the pandemic in March last year, our corporate partners, Stagecoach introduced their exact bus fare scheme. The scheme reduced cash handling on its services in Kent and East Sussex as part of a range of measures to minimise transmission of Covid-19 and help protect its customers and colleagues. And as a temporary policy, cash overpayments were directed to Demelza.

The result was a donation of a staggering £75,870.07 thanks to the support of Stagecoach customers!

The partnership was originally launched in 2020 with the unveiling of a specially branded bus. The double-decker – which features our distinctive clown and red dot design – has been serving routes across East Kent.

And as last year’s restrictions meant the Stagecoach team couldn’t undertake planned fundraising initiatives, they have pledged to support us for another year!

Two members of staff holding a giant cheque in front of a bus

Lavinia Jarrett, Chief Executive at Demelza, said: “A huge thank you to Stagecoach customers across the South East who have raised over £75,000 for us as a result of the exact fare scheme which ran throughout lockdown restrictions.

This incredible amount could help fund the salaries of two highly skilled hospice nurses to support the children and young people who use our services.

We’re excited to be working with the Stagecoach team again this year – last year’s restrictions meant the team couldn’t undertake planned fundraising initiatives so they have pledged to support us for another year.”

To find out how your company can make a lifetime of difference to families in desperate need of our support, please visit our corporate partnerships page.