Eastern Counties

Bus Advert Puts Child Poverty Message On The Streets

Bus advert puts child poverty message on Norwich streets

Residents in Norwich are being asked to think about child poverty in a very eye-catching way thanks to an exciting partnership between city bus operator First East England and the worlds independent childrens charity.

First yesterday (Monday) joined forces with Save the Children " the transport groups charity partner " to launch the last of six specially-branded double deck buses, which are in operation in a number of cities across the UK.

The striking blue and red adverts are designed to educate people on the streets about the fact that one-third of all children in the UK live in poverty " a statistic that many experts expect to worsen as the countrys economic difficulties continue.

The buses are one of the features of FirstGroups innovative charity partnership with Save the Children, which has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds since it was established in February 2008. And the buses have been a huge hit across the UK with an estimated 3 million people viewing the important messages on display.

Launching the Norwich Save the Children bus yesterday was First East Englands Managing Director Alan Pilbeam, Save the Childrens Sarah Giddens and children from Parkside School Norwich.

Alan said: "We are delighted to play such an important part in the communication of Save the Childrens messages about child poverty to our passengers and the wider public in Norwich.

"We take our corporate social responsibility role very seriously indeed and its great to think that by displaying such a fantastic advert on one of our buses, we are helping vulnerable children not only in Norwich but right across the UK. Im sure this bus will get a lot of attention throughout the city.'


Colette Marshall, Save the Childrens Director of UK Programmes said: "Our relationship with FirstGroup goes from strength to strength and we are delighted with the firm's commitment and effort in raising money for Save the Children. All the money raised will be spent on our work across the UK with some of the most vulnerable children to ensure they get the best start in life.'

For further information on Firsts commitment to corporate social responsibility, visit our website www.firstgroup.com. For information on Save the Children " including details on how to donate to the charity or get involved in fundraising, visit www.savethechildren.org.uk.