In a rare collaboration between a bus company group and a Ukrainian-focused NGO, The Go-Ahead Group has demonstrated exceptional generosity in supporting The Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership (SHAP) with a donation of six buses.
This unusual partnership emerged in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, marking a significant effort by The Go-Ahead Group to contribute to humanitarian relief.
The initial donation involved six buses, with the first being transformed by SHAP into a mobile medical facility. This converted vehicle operates tirelessly, providing medical aid to the injured in Eastern Ukraine, where the need is most acute.
Among the donated buses were three former Luton Airport “bendy buses.” One of these, still adorned with its Luton Airport livery, gained international attention when photographed in a Ukrainian forest, flanked by armed border guards.
This image found its way into numerous UK daily newspapers, featured in 31 countries worldwide, including Russia, and even became a question on the popular show “Have I Got News For You.”
Updating the narrative, SHAP is thrilled to announce two additional buses, this time generously provided by Go-East Anglia. One of these buses will be promptly sent to Ukraine, where it will serve as a means of transportation for disabled and vulnerable children attending school. The second bus will undergo a transformation in Swindon, becoming a Children’s Story Bus.
Mike Bowden, Chair of SHAP, expressed his gratitude, stating, “Children in Ukraine will have witnessed and experienced things that are unimaginable. They represent the future of Ukraine and although we know we cannot conceivably remove their trauma, we can allow them to enjoy the colour and fun of The Story Bus and allow them to play and laugh as children should be able to do.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Go-Ahead Group and so grateful that they are happy to support our work to help Ukraine and Ukrainians.”
Go-East Anglia MD Gavin Smith said: “These two buses have done sterling service around Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex for many years and I’m proud to have found them a new home for their final years helping the desperate situation in Ukraine. We are a modern progressive company and keen to contribute where we can to our community.”
