Scores of youngsters enjoyed a day at the Beacon of Light with a difference thanks to Stagecoach Group.
The UK’s largest transport operator have given their backing to Foundation of Light’s holiday courses.
As part of this collaboration, Stagecoach had one of their buses make a special visit to the Beacon and let youngsters climb aboard for a whistle stop tour of Stadium Park, with special guest conductor, Sunderland AFC mascot, Samson the Cat.
During every school break, the Foundation hosts a full timetable of activities for local young people, including football, multi-sports, baking and Slime Club.
This past Easter, youngsters enjoyed a bus themed Holiday Club, reading about The Naughty Bus and designing their own magic buses, before setting off on their journey with Stagecoach.
Steve Walker, managing director of Stagecoach North East, commented: “We are thrilled to partner with the Foundation of Light to support their holiday courses.
"At Stagecoach, we believe in the importance of investing in our communities and providing opportunities for growth and development. We are delighted to play a role in making a positive difference in the lives of these youngsters."
Foundation of Light CEO Lesley Spuhler added: “It’s great to have Stagecoach on board, as a long-serving company familiar to everyone in Sunderland. They’ve been able to offer youngsters on our programmes a different experience, with many more opportunities to work together over the next few months.”
The partnership between Stagecoach and the Foundation of Light exemplifies the power of working together to create meaningful opportunities for young people, these include future career days and the Beacon of Light and support with transport.
The ’We Are Role Models’ campaign shines a light on the Foundation’s ongoing work across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham, supporting boys and young men through sport, education and mentoring.
In our latest piece we catch up with Claire Bovill and Julie McCann about their volunteering experiences.
Azeem Iftikah came to the Foundation of Light to help settle in the UK after arriving as a refugee, but he is now an integral part of the Wear Together sessions at The Venue in Stanley.