Salvation Army bus project is chosen charity for Cardiff Rotary Club

Cardiff Rotary Club has chosen the Salvation Army Bus Project as the beneficiary of its fundraising collection days leading up to Christmas this year. Almost £700 was raised on the first day of collection this past weekend.

Cardiff Rotary Club have provided long standing support to the Salvation Army for many years, with valuable funds this year being specifically chosen for the valuable work that is delivered to transform the lives of the most vulnerable people experiencing homelessness on the streets of Cardiff city centre.

The Bus Project –or the Big Purple Bus as it known - operates in the city centre five nights a week, 52 weeks a year –is a vital part of our frontline homelessness services in Cardiff. It is run by The Salvation Army’s Crichton House Outreach Services and is the main service for people who are experiencing homelessness in Cardiff.

Each night around 40 men and women receive hot food, clothing and warm shelter for a few hours. Highly trained specialist Salvation Army staff and volunteers are on hand to provide compassionate support and refer people to emergency accommodation and other support services across the city such as mental health, advocacy and chaplaincy.

Hugh Carter, Programme Co-ordintor for the Bus Project said: “The Bus Project is a cornerstone of homeless services in Cardiff. The service provides necessary nourishment, advice, clothing, and shelter to Cardiff's most vulnerable people.

This huge task simply couldn't be accomplished without our amazing volunteers and the generous donations from the very generous people of Cardiff. The winter months are the most challenging for those experiencing homelessness. So we at the Bus Project would like to say a huge thank you to all those who offer support, such as the Cardiff Rotary Club, as this support will quite literally be saving lives this winter.'

Nick Williams, Chair of the Community and Vocational Committee at Cardiff Rotary Club said: “Homelessness is always with us and the night bus in a small way makes things easier for people in providing food clothing and warmth for those in need. As importantly it gives support and friendship to those who need it most and Cardiff Rotary club is pleased to continue to support the project”.

The Cardiff Rotary Club collections will be on Saturday the 10th and 17th December between the hours of 10am and 4pm at the main entrance of Sainsburys in Thornhill. There will be an opportunity to meet Santa Claus at the collections on these dates.

For more information about the Salvation Army Bus Project, please contact Hugh Carter on 02920 440391.

For more than 150 years The Salvation Army has been transforming lives and continues to do so today in communities across the UK and throughout the world.