AURORA, Ontario — In an effort to assist with the humanitarian crisis in Somalia, Stock Transportation, a leading provider of student transportation, is currently conducting a fundraising drive to benefit the people affected by the country’s devastating drought and famine.
To date, the company has raised $3,000 from employee contributions and a regional office donation. Donations will be collected until Sept. 16; dollars donated by individuals will be matched by the Canadian government. All funds will be given to the Canadian Red Cross to be distributed in Somalia.
According to the United Nations, Somalia has the highest malnutrition rates in the world, reaching 50 percent in some areas. Nearly half of the Somali population, 3.7 million people, are in crisis, with deaths among children under five years old reaching six per 10,000 a day in certain regions.
Lul Mohammad, a Stock Transportation driver for over 10 years, felt a special connection to this tragedy having been born in Mogadishu, Somalia. Lul left the country 23 years ago and came to Canada in search of freedom and safety for her family. Recently, Lul raised awareness about the situation in Somolia among her fellow drivers and asked if the company could help. Through the efforts of Stock’s Toronto locations, the fundraising drive was successfully launched last week and continues throughout the company.
“We want to live our company value of community and help make the world a safer place for children and families,” said Kim Worster, vice president of Canadian operations. “We are asking for the support of our people to help those in need, and are proud to be a part of a great cause.”
Donations will be accepted until Sept. 16. To make a donation, please contact Debbie Black, Stock Transportation’s Toronto-area general manager, at debbieb@stocktransportation.com or 416-754-4949.
About Stock Transportation
Stock Transportation is a leading provider of student transportation services throughout Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, operating over 3,500 buses. Stock Transportation is the Canadian division of National Express Corporation (NEC). For more information, visit www.stocktransportation.com.
