Communities at Work

Transport Canberra together with MIX106.3 and Communities at Work are getting on board together this festive season by packing a bus with essential food items and toys for kids of families in need because everyone deserves a Christmas.

“Pack the Bus” will be hitting the roads from Monday 6 December 2021 for two weeks and will be driving around the region to collect much-needed items for those in need this holiday season. The Transport Canberra bus will be hard to miss with its festive wrap of presents, Santa and of course some local kangaroos to help pull the sleigh.

Santa and his helpers will collect donated goods from registered workplaces, retail outlets and schools every weekday over the two-week period between 9 am – 3 pm. Items will be collected and then distributed through Communities at Work to people in need.

“All Canberrans and those in surrounding regions have been impacted by COVID-19 and we want to play our part in doing what we can to support those who may be having a hard time this Christmas,” said Ian McGlinn, Executive Branch Manager Bus Operations, Transport Canberra.

“Many people are still balancing working from home and the office, so we have partnered with MIX106.3 to make it easier for Canberrans to drop their donated gifts and food items to somewhere local and we want to make sure we reach as many locations as possible over the two-week period.

“Our drivers and staff are really looking forward to bringing that special Christmas joy to the community. It’s something many of our drivers like to do in the lead up to the special day,” said Mr McGlinn.

Craig Wagstaff, General Manager, Canberra FM said MIX106.3 was delighted to be involved.

“Together as a team and individually, we genuinely feel an obligation to the community who so enthusiastically support us. The MIX106.3 Pack the Bus initiative will no doubt be great fun with a highly recognisable bus out and about, but more than that, it’s hopefully an initiative that is impactful and one of direct benefit to many people,” said Mr Wagstaff.

“We certainly appreciate the significant support of Transport Canberra and every one of the commercial partners that have indeed, made it possible,” said Mr Wagstaff.

Ruth Zanker, Communities at Work, Director of Social Programs and Volunteering, said the organisation was very excited to be partnering with MIX 106.3 and Transport Canberra on their 2021 Christmas Appeal.

“Working together with the Canberra community to make a real difference in people’s lives is the heart of what Communities at Work does. Last year, we had over 70 organisations join our appeal and set up Giving Trees to collect food and gift donations on our behalf,” said Ms Zanker.

“This year, with the support of MIX 106.3 and Transport Canberra through their Pack the Bus promotion, we may be able to help hundreds more individuals and families in need. You can’t underestimate the positive impact that generosity has on someone worried about how to make ends meet or how to tell their children they won’t have a gift this Christmas. ‘Pack the Bus’ is a fantastic initiative. We can’t wait to see it out on the Canberra streets!”

To get involved and register to be a pickup location for the Pack the Bus promotion head to www.mix106.com.au to find out more.