Lothian presents £1,500 cheque to Charity of ChoiceVOCAL – Voice of Carers Across Lothian – receive charity donation

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Lothian was delighted to present its charity of choice, VOCAL, with a cheque for £1,500, raised in April when the operator played host to a UK-wide bus conference in the capital.

The ALBUM conference, which took place over 25-26 April at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa, was an opportunity for SMEs, operators and suppliers from across the UK to come together to discuss the important issues affecting our industry.

The conference, which culminated in a Gala Dinner on the final night, was also attended by Lou Shearer and Andrew Warburton from VOCAL – Lothian’s Charity of Choice.

Vocal – Voice of Carers Across Lothian – is a local charity supporting unpaid carers. Lou, who is an unpaid carer for her mum, spoke passionately about her role and the invaluable support VOCAL has given her. Charity partnerships, like the one between VOCAL and Lothian, are close to the hearts of Lothian colleagues and it was wonderful to be able to show other operators and suppliers from across the country why such initiatives are so important. Gala dinner guests were invited to make a donation to VOCAL, and the wonderful sum of £1,500 was tallied at the end of the night.

The cheque was presented to Carla Bennett, VOCAL’s Operations Manager for Midlothian and Jeanne-Marie Lee, the charity’s Carer Training Officer. The funds will go into the local communities to help unpaid carers across Lothian’s operating area.

Gaynor Marshall, Lothian’s Communications Director, said: “Charity partnerships are a huge part of the fabric at Lothian. We know a great number of our colleagues are unpaid carers, and the pressures of the last few years have undoubtedly aggravated what is an already challenging situation for them.

“It was fantastic to be able to showcase the benefits of such charity partnerships.  From raising awareness and funds, through to the importance of engaging with our 2,500+ strong workforce who are ambassadors in their own right.”

Carla Bennett, VOCAL Midlothian Operations Manager said: “We would like to thank all those who donated to VOCAL at the recent ALBUM conference. Our services provide a lifeline for many unpaid carers and their generous contribution will make a difference. We hugely appreciate their support!”

For more information on our Charity of Choice partner, VOCAL please click here.