New minibus donated to award-winning Wrexham charity

A new minibus has been donated to an award-winning charity in Wrexham.

The Rainbow Foundation, which is based in South Wrexham with care hubs in Penley, Marchwiel and Chirk, has been promoting good mental health and wellbeing whilst successfully tackling loneliness and isolation for decades.

It is the latest recipient of a new minibus from the Steve Morgan Foundation – which supports projects that helps the elderly, those with disabilities and socially disadvantaged people.

Since launched in 2001 the foundation has delivered 89 Smiley Buses to deserving organisations.

CEO Caroline Tudor-James said community transport is a lifeline to many people, especially to the older elderly living across rural communities of Wrexham, and the bus will help them expand their services in the local community.

She said: “We are delighted with the addition of a new bus to our community transport fleet thanks to the Steve Morgan Foundation.

“Having this bus will allow us to expand our transport service across our three care and wellbeing hubs in Penley, Marchwiel and Chirk, which is opening this January.

“We are also incredibly grateful for the support from the Steve Morgan Foundation at the very start of the pandemic which meant we could stay open and support thousands of people in need during lockdown.

“Lockdown was hard for many of us, but the reality is that for many elderly people who live in our local communities, every day is like lockdown, even now months after regulations eased.

“This is why community transport is so important to The Rainbow Foundation and our clients as we work to connect people with much-needed services in our areas in the fight against loneliness and isolation whilst promoting active ageing.”

Philanthropist Steve Morgan CBE visited the Rainbow Centre in Penley in July and after meeting the team was pleased to approve the funding of a new bus.

He said: “I have great affection for Penley because it’s the location of Redrow’s first ever job. Knowing the area well, I understand how the lack of transport can leave vulnerable people, especially the elderly, feeling completely isolated.

“Having visited The Rainbow Foundation previously, I continue to be impressed by the good work they do. We’re delighted to provide a new Smiley Bus and know it will make a big difference to lots of people.”

The Rainbow Foundation has recently launched their Festive Fundraiser where prizes include a Fender guitar signed by all 4 members of Coldplay, a luxury Fortnum & Mason Christmas hamper, a 5* weekend away in London and a Peloton bike plus much more. Tickets can be purchased via Just Giving.

The national raffle will raise vital funds for The Rainbow Foundation, allowing the charity to open a third day opportunities service in Chirk as well as enabling them to provide high quality home care in areas where private firms won’t operate.

The work of The Rainbow Foundation will reduce winter pressures faced on the overstretched NHS, enabling people to remain in their community and to live independently for longer and help address the local care crisis.