SOS Bus CEO visits HRH Duke of York
Message to SOS Volunteers and Staff from Joe Hyland
On Wednesday 19th October I was a guest of HRH The Duke of York in Buckingham Palace. My invitation was as a result of the hard work of SOS Bus volunteers and staff and because of the impact we are having helping people in need on the streets of Belfast and in the communities we serve in Northern Ireland.
At the reception there were 12 organisations from across the UK who had been invited to meet with Prince Andrew. He asked each organisation to describe their charities aims and the impact their volunteering was having in their communities. The Duke was both knowledgeable and genuinely interested in how we go about our business.
For my part I have to say I did feel extremely proud of you and what together we have achieved in such a short time.
I have already had several communications with the Duke’s Private Secretary with a view to garnering further support for our organisation and to see how we in turn might help other towns and cities to benefit from the work you do and the results you have achieved so far.
I have been asked to convey the Dukes most grateful thanks to all those who are investing in and supporting our SOS Bus charity. In particular he asked that a very warm thank you be given to the volunteers and staff who so freely and unconditionally give their time to help the most vulnerable and needy in society.
Though I had the privilege of attending this reception, you must all know it was because of your efforts that we were being recognised, and because it is what you do each week to make people feel valued and so much safer that this honour was bestowed.
Thanks, as always for your ongoing support.
