Christmas is a happy time for most people, but for those who are struggling financially, with relationships or their health, it is anything but the most wonderful time of the year.
It can be a lonely, isolating time for those who are struggling and shut off from the festivities and excess.
Helping those in need
And while many people might only think of a cab after a boozy festive celebration, taxi drivers are again providing a lifeline for those who need it most.
Glasgow Taxis – well known for its charitable efforts, including the Annual Outing to Troon – has teamed up with the Glasgow Times Bank On Us Christmas Appeal which helps families across the city who need it most.
The firm shared: “At Glasgow Taxis we are proud to be a driving force behind the newspaper’s Bank On Us Christmas Appeal, to help families across the city who most need help this Christmas.
“This is just the latest initiative backed by our staff, members and drivers which shows how much they and we all love and care for the city of Glasgow and its people.
“That love and care is not a one-off gesture, it’s a 12-month, 24/7 commitment.”
Making a difference
Part of that commitment has seen the taxi company install life-saving Rapaid emergency bandages in vehicles as part of the charity’s partnership with Patons Insurance.
It has also been a longstanding supporter of many charities, including the Beatson Cancer Charity, CHAS, Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice and Partick Thistle Charitable Trust.
Helping drive this year’s Bank On Us appeal, Glasgow Taxis added: “It remains a depressing reality that foodbanks are needed in modern society, but for as long as they are, we will contribute to help those who often quite desperately need that help.
“Every day of the year, our drivers serve communities where the odds are stacked against people from the very start. It takes a collective effort to turn around people’s lives which is why the Bank On Us campaign is so strong, with some brilliant organisations from across the city coming together to help.”
Glasgow Taxis management committee added: “Please help the Bank On Us Christmas Appeal this year. All of us doing just a little can achieve a lot, and make a big difference to how Christmas looks and feels for families all around us.
“Thanks to all our staff, members and drivers for always stepping up to help others, as always you are the very best of Glasgow.”
Humanitarian calling
Cabbies in Edinburgh are also helping spread festive cheer – to children in Ukraine, who are facing their fourth Christmas with war raging around them.
Taxi and PHV publication DM News reports that a former Edinburgh black cab is on its way, filled with Christmas gifts for children and vital medical supplies.
Among its cargo, the Mercedes Vito van is carrying gifts donated by The Children’s, The Taxi Academy, and cab drivers across the city, for hospitals and orphanages in Ukraine.
Following a similar donation last year, after dropping off presents and supplies, the vehicle will be donated to the people of Ukraine.
DM News said: “Edinburgh’s taxi community has a long history of charitable work, but this latest mission stands out for its scale and impact. Converting a former taxi into a frontline support vehicle is a reminder of how the UK taxi trade often steps up far beyond its day-to-day role.
“From fundraising to logistics, cabbies continue to show their reach and generosity — especially during a time when many drivers are also facing their own financial pressures. It’s another example of how the taxi profession supports not only passengers, but entire communities both at home and abroad.”
Christmas thought
As well as helping make a difference at special times such as Christmas, taxi drivers in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and across the UK make a difference to people every day, whether it is helping the elderly, returning lost property or getting people (and pets) to medical appointments.
They are ambassadors for their towns and cities, welcoming visitors, showing them landmarks and must-see locations, as well as getting people where they want to go safely, with the necessary taxi insurance in place. They listen, they laugh, they share stories – they make a difference to people’s lives.
It isn’t done for headlines or social media likes and shares. They love the job they do and enjoy meeting and helping people from all walks of life. And when the need arises, they jump at the chance to help those who are less fortunate.
