Hardpressed families benefit from cash down the back of the bus seat

Money dropped or left behind on buses operated by one of the biggest companies in Galway helped feed hundreds of families in the North Galway area over the Christmas period. The Galway-based Citylink bus company collected coins and notes that were left and unclaimed on their buses over the past year and then donated it to the Tuam Lions Club Christmas food appeal.

Their representative Colette Lally from Corofin then used the money to purchase a trolley full of food which was distributed to families by St. Vincent de Paul over the Christmas.

Passengers on Citylink inadvertently leave money behind them or drop coins on the floor. Staff then collect this money – and if it is unclaimed, they then donate it to a charity of their choice.

Sean Rhatigan of Tuam Lions Club said that it was one of many examples of the generosity of both the public and the business community to their annual food appeal which has been ongoing for the past 30 years.

Colette said that all items of unclaimed property from books, clothing and money all go to local charities from Citylink and that they have been doing this for several years.

“Nothing goes to waste,” added Collette who embarked on a shopping spree of O’Toole’s SuperValu supermarket a couple of days before Christmas with the proceeds of what was collected on the busses. The shopping trolley was then presented to Tuam Lions Club and then distributed by members of the local St. Vincent de Paul.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.