Bus Éireann launches “Fill-A-Bus” for Mid West Simon Christmas Appeal in Limerick

Bus Éireann, Ireland’s national bus company is partnering with Mid West Simon in appealing for contributions for the vulnerable, homeless and those at risk of homelessness in Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary. On Thursday, 8 December Bus Éireann will reserve a bus in Colbert bus station, Parnell Street from 11am to 2pm hoping to fill it from top to bottom with donations from the public.

“Bus Éireann is very proud to support Mid West Simon with our “Fill-A-Bus” Christmas campaign”, said Brian Connolly, Bus Éireann Senior Manager Operations West. “This year, Bus Éireann is appealing to the public to bring non-perishable food items for donation to Colbert bus station, Parnell Street on Thursday 8 December, from 11am to 2pm where we hope to fill a bus in support of those most in need across the Mid West.’’ 

Mid West Simon Community is the largest homeless services provider in the Mid West Region. They support individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or experiencing housing difficulties. They operate foodbanks in Limerick, Ennis and Nenagh and have provided food to 6,780 individuals as well as 24,484 food parcels this year, to date. Mid West Simon Community has also supported 704 individual people in emergency accommodation this year, and they have provided permanent homes for a further 211 people throughout the Mid-West region.  In addition to this, 49 people have been supported in their transitional accommodation projects.

Suggested donations to fill the bus include non-perishable food items such as selection boxes, crisps, chocolates, sweets, boxed biscuits, minced pies, tinned coffee or clothing vouchers (to be given as Christmas presents to clients).

“We are extremely grateful to Bus Éireann for this wonderful initiative again this year and for the support we have received from them over the past number of years” said Jackie Leonard, Head of Fundraising, Mid West Simon Community. “Inflation, coupled with the rising costs of energy and food has impacted everyone, but especially our clients.  Because of these factors, our services are in greater demand than ever before. People are really struggling but we are here to help. We would ask as many people as possible to come along on Thursday, 8 December and to give what they can and fill the bus, together we can support the most vulnerable in our community”.

The Bus Éireann bus will be parked in Colbert bus station, Parnell Street, Limerick from 11am-2pm, Thursday 8 December.

Tuesday, 6th December, 2022