A record number of Oxfordshire residents have cast their votes in the Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel’s much-loved Brand the Bus competition, an initiative that gives local good causes the chance to take their message on the road, quite literally.
This year, more than 12,000 votes were submitted in support of 65 local charities and community organisations, culminating in the announcement of ten finalists now vying for a top prize worth over £100,000.
The finalists include:
- Support for Sick Newborns and their Parents
- Sobell House Hospice Charity
- The Orders of St John Trust
- Helen & Douglas House
- One-Eighty
- Thames Valley Air Ambulance
- Freddie’s Future
- Maggie’s Oxford
- Freegle
- St John Ambulance
Each of these organisations now heads into the final judging phase, where a panel will select the overall winner based on their community impact, creativity, and how well they’ve fulfilled the competition brief.
Branding on the Move
The winning charity will have its branding featured on a fully electric double-decker bus, travelling across Oxfordshire and providing unmissable, mobile exposure every day. In addition, the prize includes on-board digital screen advertising, radio airtime with Get Radio, and the coveted position of Official Charity Partner for Oxford City Football Club in the 2025-26 season.
Two runners-up will also receive onboard advertising packages valued at £2,000 and £1,000, giving even more local groups a valuable promotional boost.
Community Voices & Big Support
Luke Marion, Managing Director at Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel, praised the enthusiasm around the initiative:
“Brand the Bus continues to go from strength to strength, and we’re overwhelmed by the volume of votes this year.
It reaffirms that there are so many excellent good causes in our community delivering vital services.”
Hamish Law, Commercial Director at Get Radio, added:
“We’re delighted to see such a strong level of interest in Brand the Bus from charities across Oxfordshire. A huge congratulations to the ten shortlisted charities; we’re looking forward to discussing all of these excellent entries in the judging phase.”
Chris Williams, Head of Partnerships at Oxford City FC, called the judging “incredibly tough,” acknowledging the “amazing nominees” saying:
There are so many amazing nominees, and this is going to be an incredibly tough competition to judge. Brand the Bus is a brilliant initiative, and the winners are going to be seen by so many people across Oxfordshire. We wish them all the very best of luck.”
Legacy of Impact
Since its inception, Brand the Bus has helped amplify the voices of impactful Oxfordshire charities such as:
- Oxford Hospitals Charity
- SeeSaw (young people’s grief support)
- Home-Start Oxford
- Restore (mental health charity)
- Girlguiding Oxfordshire
- Blue Skye Thinking
What Happens Next?
The final decision will be made in the coming weeks, with the winner set to be announced in June. The fully wrapped, charity-branded electric bus is expected to hit the roads by autumn, bringing inspiration, visibility, and community pride to every stop.
Whether it’s hospice care, children’s futures, emergency response, or environmental advocacy, this year’s shortlist is a powerful showcase of Oxfordshire’s generous spirit and grassroots dedication.
