First Bus get skates on to help homeless and bring festive fun to Leeds Kirkgate Market

First Bus has teamed up with Leeds Kirkgate Market to put Christmas Dinner on the table together with surprise presents for homeless and vulnerable people and bring festive fun to the indoor market.

The bus operator has made a gift of £500 to St George’s Crypt, a Leeds charity, based at a centre in the church on Great George Street. The money will be used to buy a range of essential items from market traders and distributed over Christmas.

Chris Fields, CEO of St George's Crypt, said: “We thank First Bus and Leeds Kirkgate Market for this kind donation. Especially now, with prices rising, increased fuel costs and Christmas coming, knowing we will be receiving essentials from the market means that we can plan on how best to support and bring festive cheer to those who use our services.

“This will go towards providing the 240 Christmas meals and presents that we expect to give out over Christmas, so a massive ‘thank you’ from everyone here at St George's Crypt.”

A roller skating rink is set to be a big attraction during Christmas and New Year. Operated by LS-TEN it will be free to use thanks to a financial contribution by First Bus and opens on 23 December until 30 December from 11am-3pm.  

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education, said: “We are delighted that the partnership Leeds Kirkgate Market have with First Bus allows us to continue to provide free activities in the city centre for families over the Christmas period. 

“The free roller rink will be a welcome festive treat for shoppers in Leeds.”

Picture captions:

First Bus + Leeds Kirkgate Market 1 & 3: Cllr Pryor (left) with Kelsey Salvatore from First Bus and Tosh Wilson of the roller rink company.

First Bus + Leeds Kirkgate Market 2: Cllr Pryor (right) with Kelsey Salvatore from First Bus and Tosh Wilson of the roller rink company.

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