Minibus shows maxi heart

Ireland’s first ever minibus funded entirely by local businesses is to be donated to a local Cork charity, and it’s just the beginning say the folks at the wheel of the initiative.

The minibus, which will serve the YMCA in Cobh and Cork city, was made made possible purely through donations from local businesses.

In addition to providing essential transport for young people, it will also act as a moving billboard, showcasing the businesses that made it happen.

Sarah Wall, whose father was one of the pioneers of the idea, runs the Cork-based Support Local Business initiative with her husband Glenn.

“The idea of donating minibuses started several years ago in Belgium,” Ms Wall told the Cork Independent.

“There are three companies doing it, and my dad is one of them. Together, they have about 200 buses on the road with this concept.

“Over the course of three years, we successfully provided 22 minibuses to charities and community organizations. I was helping my dad remotely while living here with my husband and baby. I saw a big need here, so we started our own adventure!” said Ms Wall.

The concept behind the initiative is simple. Local businesses sponsor the bus through affordable advertising, and in return, the bus is donated entirely free to the charity that needs it most.

“It’s a true win-win,” said Ms Wall.

“Businesses get high-visibility advertising on a moving billboard, and charities get reliable transport to help them continue their vital work,

“This is just the beginning! We want to do the same for more charities across Ireland and are already in discussions about potential projects nationwide,” she added.

For many of the youth at the YMCA in Cobh and Cork city, reliable transportation is one of the biggest barriers to accessing education, training, and workshops, and while parents are doing their best to fill the gap, Ms Wall said it has become a huge struggle.

“Just recently, a teacher had to drive back and forth five times to collect and drop off kids, burning through time, energy, and petrol – yet some still couldn’t make it,” said Ms Wall.

“This bus will change that. It will ensure that every young person has a way to get to school, attend workshops, participate in community programs, and even enjoy outings that would have otherwise been impossible,” she added.

With the yet-to-be-named bus now secured, Ms Wall said she was touched by the strength of community in Cork and the willingness of businesses and parents to see the initiative come to fruition.

She said: “Ireland has a deep-rooted culture of helping one another, and this project has highlighted how willing local businesses are to step up for a cause that matters. What’s been truly amazing is how quickly businesses rallied behind the idea, not just for visibility, but because they genuinely believe in supporting local youth and giving back to the community.

“If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that every contribution—big or small—makes a difference.

“And if you’re looking for an affordable way to advertise, we still have a few advertising spots left. We offer advertising starting at just 0.66 cents a day, with thousands of daily views. Where else can you get an offer like that?” said Ms Wall.

To learn more, make a donation, or get involved as a business, visit supportlocalbusinesses.ie.