East Midlands Railway on track to support Rail Aid

East Midlands Railway on track to support Rail Aid

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• EMR raises money to support vulnerable children who lives have been devastated by the impact of Covid-19
• Fundraising activities including dancing to ‘The Locomotion’
• Rail Aid, a new initiative for the charity Railway Children
• Bringing the best of the UK rail community together

East Midlands Railway joined industry leaders and businesses from across Britain’s railway to collectively fundraise for Railway Children under the Rail Aid banner. Rail Aid was launched in direct response to the Covid-19 outbreak which has made Railway Children’s work with vulnerable young people even more vital. Unfortunately, at the same time, the pandemic has forced the cancellation of the charity’s biggest annual fundraiser the Railway Ball.

Rail Aid, dubbed ‘the railway’s answer to Children In Need’, invited every part of the railway to fundraise in support of the vital life-saving work of Railway Children.

Since the start of the initiative in November, EMR staff have been getting creative with their fundraising and have been having lots of fun doing so.

One of the ways EMR has raised money was through their ‘Locomotion Challenge’ a Dance Challenge, where they filmed themselves and other team members dancing to The Locomotion by Kylie Minogue!

EMR has raised over £90 for selling their commemorative First Birthday prints, as well as getting involved in Bingo, auctions and quizzes.

EMR has plans for future fundraising ideas in the coming months that will all contribute to the Raid Aid funds.

Will Rogers, Managing Director for EMR said: “This year has been a difficult one for many with the challenges of Covid-19 far reaching, affecting lives and livelihoods across the world.

“Getting involved with Rail Aid has brought the best of the UK rail community together to raise money and help the devastating impact the virus is having on children’s lives.

“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone at East Midlands Railway who got involved in the ‘Locomotion Challenge’ and the other events for this very worthwhile cause”.

Commenting on the launch of Rail Aid, Terina Keene, Chief Executive of Railway Children, said:

“So many people have been hit hard by the effects of Covid-19 and that means children; both in the UK and overseas, are even more vulnerable to finding themselves on the street and in need of our support.

“The railway family has played such a key role during a time of national emergency and I know there will be many people who are ready to have some fun in the name of supporting this excellent cause. We’re so sad to have had to cancel this year’s Railway Ball but Rail Aid, the rail industry’s answer to Children In Need, will be a more than worthy replacement.”

Every pound raised, sponsored or simply donated will help Railway Children be there for vulnerable children around the world who need them now more than ever. Together we can make sure they stay safe now, and as the world recovers from the impact of this devastating pandemic.

• Rail Aid culminated in a live broadcast at the end of November. The online programme showcased the very best efforts and fundraising achievements from across the industry, as well as featuring some of the most popular faces in rail.