The SOS Bus had it’s first outing in Ipswich on the 16th December. Busy night, but fortunately no first aid needed! Lots of curious people asking about what we are and do.
First Time in Ipswich!
On the High Street again!
We’re out again, doing what we used to do! Looking out for people, making sure people get home safe, and being a listening ear to keep things calm. While being on the High Street has flagged up an issue with the Bus that needs fixing, better there than a long way from home. We will be out again soon, for Christmas events!
We’ve got Lottery Funding!
We’ve just received our biggest grant yet- from the National Lottery Communities fund, of a whopping £9360! This is what we needed to get us from a minimal “road-legal” all the way to fully operational. We’re now looking at quotes for repairs and looking to get these scheduled at local businesses. In the meantime, we’re still looking for volunteers so we can deploy as soon as we’re able!
We’re out!
After years of organizing and raising funds- we’re out there! The SOS Bus finally had it’s first proper deployment at the Jubilee celebrations on the Severals, June 3rd. While we’re now road-legal, there are still a few issues to fix before we travel any distance, and we are arranging to get those fixed. In the meantime, we were able to raise awareness, give out lots of water, and help out a few first aid cases. We were able to see some of our new and old volunteers for the first time face-to-face, and look forward to attending more events soon.
High Sheriff’s Grant received!
Suffolk’s High Sheriff’s Fund (via Suffolk Community Foundation) has given us another £1783.97 towards our goal. As this was match-funded by donations, this has taken us close enough to our target that we can get the Bus on the road! We will be out for the Jubilee weekend! See you on the Severals on the 3rd June.
A lot of scrubbing later…
After several years of neglect, vandalism and damage, some of the original colours returned to the outside and inside of the SOS Bus as it got a thorough cleaning from the Eurofins Chemtest crew, after a contact at the Rotary club put us in touch. Very much needed, especially if we help the NHS with vaccines or testing as we plan to do!
Tesco bookstall donation
Tesco’s book stall donations made another contribution to our repairs- getting on the road is starting to look close!
Soapbox Derby donation!
One of our bigger donations to date, Newmarket Town Council donated money raised at the Soapbox Derby to us and Open Door. We had also received a grant for £1000 from the Town Council earlier in the year.
Have Green screen, will Zoom!
Well, if you’ve got a big, orange bus, you kind of have to flaunt it! Joining CAS for a conference, saves a lot of introductions!
First Event- Drive-in Carol Concert!
Mid pandemic, we were asked to help with the drive-in carol concert as a volunteer respite area. As we were storing the SOS Bus on the Racecourse at the time, we were delighted to help. As well as tea and coffee for volunteers, we were able to jump-start a number of cars whose batteries ran flat during the event. We could also have been a first aid post, but thankfully not needed for that! A donation from Churches Together for our help meant more repairs could be done.
