Stagecoach and Foundation of Light team up to fill a bus with Easter eggs for local children

Stagecoach is supporting a special Easter Egg appeal with the Foundation of Light, aiming to fill a single-decker bus with Easter eggs for local children ahead of Sunderland AFC’s home match against Brighton on Saturday, March 14 (kick-off 3pm).

The Premier League fixture has been designated the Foundation of Light’s game of the season, with all donated Easter eggs distributed by the charity to children from disadvantaged backgrounds across the region.

Pictured (left to right) Sunderland AFC mascot Samson, Stagecoach North East Managing Director Steve Walker, Foundation of Light Chief Operating Officer Jamie Wright and the Easter Bunny promote the appeal to fill a single-decker bus full of Easter eggs for local children in the city.

placeholder image — Pictured (left to right) Sunderland AFC mascot Samson, Stagecoach North East Managing Director Steve Walker, Foundation of Light Chief Operating Officer Jamie Wright and the Easter Bunny promote the appeal to fill a single-decker bus full of Easter eggs for local children in the city.

The Foundation of Light is the official charity of Sunderland AFC and uses the power of football to involve, educate and inspire thousands of people across Sunderland and beyond.

Supporters attending the match, including fans of Brighton & Hove Albion, are being encouraged to donate Easter eggs and help fill the bus.

Stagecoach and the Foundation of Light are teaming up to fill a single-decker bus full of chocolate Easter eggs for local children.

Samson the Sunderland mascot and the Easter Bunny have been helping to promote the appeal in the build-up to the game.

Steve Walker, Managing Director of Stagecoach North East, said: “The Stadium of Light is right on our doorstep; our regional head office is just a goal kick away from the ground.

"Our services are at the heartbeat of life in Sunderland, just like the football club. Our customers are Sunderland supporters and vice versa.

“We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with the Foundation of Light and the life-changing work they do in our communities.

“This campaign is a bit of fun, but it will make a real difference. Sadly, not every child on Wearside will receive a chocolate egg this Easter, but if we can fill a bus full of eggs and help put a smile on a child’s face, that’s something worthwhile.”

Jamie Wright, Foundation of Light Chief Operating Officer, added: “Foundation of Light Matchday is all about bringing people together and showing the power of football to do good.

"We’re incredibly grateful to Stagecoach for their continued support and for helping us make a difference to families across our communities this Easter.”

The Easter Egg campaign highlights Stagecoach’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and working in partnership with organisations that deliver positive, lasting impact across the North East.

The bus will be parked in front of the Beacon of Light from 10,30am on Saturday, March 14, so supporters can donate chocolate eggs from then until 2.30pm ahead of kick-off and mascots Samson and Delilah will both be in attendance alongside two Easter bunnies.