Friday 20 November: This World Children’s Day, UK charity Action for Children has announced a partnership with train operator South Western Railway, which easily enables customers to donate their Delay Repay funds to the charity.
Delay Repay provides compensation for customers who have been delayed by 15 minutes or more. The average pay-out per transaction last year was £6.98 – this would usually be refunded back to the customer’s bank account following an application via the SWR website. From today, however, customers can choose instead to divert the funds directly to Action for Children.
The UK children’s charity – which is committed to helping vulnerable children, young people and their families – already works closely with SWR, which has provided over £20,000 of support through complimentary travel and staff fundraising and is the UK Charity Partner to SWR’s parent company FirstGroup.
Christian Neill, deputy customer experience director at South Western Railway, said:
"This year has been extremely challenging for so many people, in so many ways. We do hope, however, that our customers will be supportive of this new initiative and help support the vital work of Action for Children. Delay Repay compensation is typically a small amount of money, but even the smallest donations can make the biggest difference when it comes to helping vulnerable children."
Locks Farmer, director of fundraising and marketing at Action for Children, added:
"The coronavirus crisis has exploded into the lives of many vulnerable families who are now hanging by a thread as they face one of the bleakest winters of their lives. Our key workers are at the front line of tackling child poverty and are working incredibly hard to deliver life-changing support to thousands of families desperate to keep their kids clothed and well-fed.
"This incredible new initiative will enable us to support even more of our most vulnerable children, through the generous donations of SWR’s customers."
Notes to editors
