A decade of driving and fundraising
Craig Duncanson is not just an ordinary bus driver. He is also a dedicated volunteer for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), a charity that saves lives at sea. Craig has been working as a bus driver for Xplore Dundee for 10 years, and he started volunteering for the RNLI fundraising team last year. He spends his spare time helping out with various events, such as bucket collections, sponsored walks, beer festivals, and open days. Craig said: “I decided to volunteer after speaking to some members in my local pub. It’s a great way to give something back and I really enjoy getting involved. The people and the work that they do are brilliant, and I’m so proud to be involved.”
The importance of fundraising for the RNLI
The RNLI relies on fundraising volunteers like Craig to carry out vital work in the community to help raise funds. Volunteers make up 95% of people within the RNLI. The money raised goes towards maintaining and operating the lifeboats, training and equipping the crew, and providing safety education and awareness. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations around the UK and Ireland, and rescues an average of 22 people every day. In 2023, the RNLI celebrated its 200th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its longstanding commitment to maritime safety.
The support and recognition from Xplore Dundee
Craig’s employer, Xplore Dundee, is also supportive of his role as a fundraiser for the RNLI. The company is the largest public transport provider in Dundee, running a comprehensive network of buses and offering a flexible ticket range to suit the travel needs of the city. Stephen Riggans, General Manager at Xplore Dundee, said: “Craig has been a bus driver for almost 10 years, dedicating any extra hours to fundraising for the RNLI. The team at Xplore Dundee and I are all so proud of the role that Craig plays within the RNLI.” Xplore Dundee also offers direct, non-stop luxury travel to Edinburgh Airport with its FLY service, as well as frequent buses to Tannadice Park for Dundee United fans.
The gratitude and appreciation from the RNLI
The RNLI is grateful for the efforts and contributions of Craig and other fundraisers, who enable the charity to continue its mission of saving lives at sea. Without their support, the lifeboat crews would not be able to put their boats to sea and respond to emergencies. Peter Hays, RNLI Coxswain, said: “As part of one of the busiest fundraising teams in Scotland, Craig gives up his free time to help raise funds that allow us to continue to save lives at sea. Without our fundraisers, our crew couldn’t put our boats to sea. Therefore, we are all fundraisers, we are all lifesavers, we are one crew! I couldn’t be prouder of every single one of them.” The RNLI is always on the lookout for new volunteers, and anyone wishing to spare some of their time can find out more at [www.rnli.org].
