TransPennine Express teams up with Hallam FM to help thousands of children living in poverty this Christmas
Print at home ticket scheme supporting Mission Christmas
Inter-city rail operator TransPennine Express (TPE) will be doing their bit to help thousands of vulnerable and underprivileged children by supporting radio station Hallam FM’s Cash for Kids Mission Christmas Appeal.
It is estimated that one in three children living in towns and cities across the TPE network live in poverty and many families will not be able to buy gifts this Christmas. This appeal aims to fill Santa’s sleigh with enough presents to make sure no child wakes up without a gift on Christmas morning and relies on generous donations of toys by people across the North. Last year the appeal collected more than 1 million pounds worth of presents for children across South Yorkshire, but with an estimated 94,000 children living poverty in the region, there’s still a long way to go.
The train company is supporting the appeal in lots of ways. 25p from every TPE ‘print at home’ ticket transaction will go towards this fantastic cause and colleagues are being asked to buy just one extra toy this Christmas to donate. Last year, this raised more than £1,500.
At 12:30 on Thursday 15 December the TPE choir will be raising funds for the appeal by performing at Manchester Airport Train Station. The choir will then board a train and serenade customers all the way to Huddersfield Railway Station.
Charlie French, TPE Transport Integration Manager, said: "This appeal makes a huge difference to children across the North and I'm thrilled that we are able to help. 25p from every TPE 'print at home' ticket transaction will be donated to the appeal, and events like the choir's performance and at station collections will also make a difference. Our staff will also be volunteering to sort and pack toys at the Mission Christmas warehouse to get them ready to be sent out to children across the region."
Allan Ogle, Charity Manager at Hallam FM’s Cash for Kids commented: We’re delighted to have TPE supporting our Mission Christmas campaign across South Yorkshire. Print at home gives TPE customers the perfect opportunity to support Mission Christmas whilst booking their own festive travel arrangements, a huge thank you to TPE and all their customers for their support to help ensure no child goes without gifts this Christmas.”