For nearly 30 years, Stagecoach has been a key part of communities around the world. As well as providing lifeline transport services and significant job opportunities, our Group is an integral part of local communities in the UK and North America.

We help local people share in our success by funding the vital work of local, national and international charities. During the year ended 30 April 2008, £0.7m (2007: £0.7m) was donated by the Group to help many worthwhile causes, including many health charities and local community projects in areas where Stagecoach provides lifeline bus and rail services.

Stagecoach is providing £500,000 through a major four-year sponsorship to fund a gym at the new Oasis Academy in Grimsby. The Academy, which will have around 1,100 students, is a partnership between the Oasis Trust, North East Lincolnshire Council and the Department for Education and Skills to improve choice for parents and raise the overall standard of education in the local area. The Grimsby curriculum will be enhanced by a specialism in sports and health.

Stagecoach’s support for the community is not just about money. Hundreds of our employees devote their own time every day to local projects that make a real difference in their area. Many make financial donations personally through “give as you earn” schemes. Our businesses provide much needed in-kind support, while our people also give charities the benefit of their expertise during secondments. At East Midlands Trains, for example, we have backed 12 members of staff with their charity work through our employee support programme.

Much of the backing we provide is focused on education and young people. We work closely with schools and police on local crime prevention initiatives and education of youngsters about the dangers and consequences of anti-social behaviour. Our support also assists many local initiatives that help provide opportunities for young people.

At South West Trains, which operates in 13 English counties, much of our focus is on projects designed to give young people alternatives to anti-social behaviour. We have achieved this through schemes such as our long-term support for the Carroll Youth Centre, and sponsorship of youth football, cricket and basketball teams in a range of locations. We are also heavily involved in highlighting the dangers of trespassing on railway lines, getting the message across to around 50,000 children a year. In addition, we have also been involved in a scheme to assist with the rehabilitation of ex-offenders.

Stagecoach is also helping promote social inclusion with our communities and help those who are the most vulnerable. We have a national agreement with Guide Dogs for the Blind that allows the dog trainers free travel on our buses and trains. Stagecoach has supported a new Samaritans campaign to reduce workplace stress in Scotland by sponsoring pocket-sized "emotional health cards" encouraging people to speak up on the issue. We have also contributed to several homeless shelters, providing funds for equipment and new dormitories. South West Trains is a regular supporter of the Railway Children, a charity which helps runaway youngsters, and also helps Dorset Voluntary Search and Rescue.

We have continued to support the UK educational charity businessdynamics, which provides courses designed to build the skills and confidence of young people as they prepare to enter the worlds of work and further education. Stagecoach has also supported a number of arts initiatives.

In North America, our businesses support the work of chambers of commerce, arts foundations, tourism associations, educational groups and other key services. We have regularly provided transport facilities to assist the annual Tartan Day celebrations in New York, while similar support has been provided to a group of British police officers that make an annual visit to the city to honour the Britons killed in the September 11 terrorist attacks. In the United States, we are part of the federal Emergency Relief Programme, with vehicles on standby to assist the response to any natural disaster in the Gulf Coast. In Canada, we were involved in assisting with community fund-raising efforts to build and equip a new hospital in Peterborough, Ontario.

Supporting the community. Working with the community. Part of the community. That is embedded in our business philosophy.