Open-top bus company raises funds to fight climate emergency in South America

Sightseers and tourists can help improve water and sanitation supplies in rural Peruvian communities by enjoying one of City Sightseeing Oxford’s tours this Saturday.

As part of City Sightseeing Cares ‘Changing Lives’ initiative, City Sightseeing tour operators worldwide will donate a proportion of their ticket sales to fund clean water projects in 12 remote communities in the Amazon area of Peru.

Launched in 2023, City Sightseeing Cares is the social responsibility arm of City Sightseeing committed to social and environmental causes. It coordinates global initiatives to improve lives through donations, services, and community support.

Each ticket sold will contribute £1 towards the overall target of €56,356, benefiting over 2,000 people in Peru. Oxford Bus Company aims to raise up to £1,000 for the cause.

The 12 targeted communities reside along Peru’s Yurimaguas-Balsapuerto road. Located in the tropical lowland jungle, these areas face climate-induced soil erosion, water loss, and deforestation, resulting in limited access to clean water and residents suffering from waterborne diseases.

The project will install 12 drilled tube wells with hand pumps to provide safe drinking water. A sanitation service will be formed in each community to manage these systems.

Families in the Yurimaguas-Balsapuerto communities will also receive training on water use and sustainable practices, supported by local TV and radio campaigns. Coordination with local health and education networks will ensure the project’s long-term sustainability.

Luke Marion, managing director of Oxford Bus Company, said: “We’re proud to support City Sightseeing Worldwide’s ‘Changing Lives’ initiative, which mirrors our commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability.

“Oxford’s thriving visitor economy will play an instrumental part in helping us achieve our fundraising goals. Tour participants will be making a direct contribution to this essential project, showcasing the city’s strong support for global change.”

A recent report from the World Bank highlighted that only 50 percent of the Peruvian population have access to safely managed water, with only 40 percent of inhabitants safely managing sanitation.
“Addressing the climate crisis is a collective responsibility,” said Luke. “The ‘Changing Lives’ initiative aligns with Oxford Bus Company’s commitment to sustainability and our target of reducing emissions by 75 percent by 2035 and becoming a net-zero company by 2045.”

City Sightseeing Oxford has transformed its fleet to all-electric as part of Oxford Bus Company’s roll-out of zero-emission vehicles across the city. The City Sightseeing Oxford vehicles are powered by 100 percent renewable electricity allowing for improved air quality.

Donations can be made to Changing Lives here: https://city-sightseeing.com/cares/en/changing-lives-2024/
For more information and to book a tour visit the City Sightseeing Oxford website here: https://www.citysightseeingoxford.com/

ENDS