Stagecoach brought a touch of generosity to Carlisle this week on Random Acts of Kindness Day by leaving golden envelopes on board its local buses.

Throughout Tuesday, February 17, passengers discovered the envelopes on their seats or nearby, each containing a gift voucher for a local business.

Tom Waterhouse, managing director for Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire, said: “Random Acts of Kindness Day is a great opportunity to remind people how small, thoughtful gestures can make a real difference.

“By leaving golden envelopes on our buses, we wanted to surprise our customers, spread a bit of joy and encourage kindness across Carlisle, while also supporting some fantastic local independent businesses.

“It’s a simple idea, but one that reflects the values of our communities and the positive role public transport can play in bringing people together.”

The initiative was designed to inspire simple, unexpected acts of kindness while also supporting Carlisle’s independent shops and cafés.

Random Acts of Kindness Day is an international celebration that encourages people to practise compassion, empathy and positive action in their everyday lives.

Stagecoach’s golden envelope campaign aimed to reflect that spirit by turning an ordinary bus journey into a memorable and uplifting experience.

Inside each envelope was a voucher to be used at one of several local businesses, including Cakes & Ale Café, Bookends, Totally Scrumptious Henri’s baguette bar and Foxes Café Lounge.

The initiative was welcomed by Georgia O’Sullivan, manager at Bookends, who said: “I think this a great idea from Stagecoach and will hopefully encourage more people to think about local independent businesses like ours.”

Passengers were encouraged not only to enjoy their treat, but also to consider passing on kindness to someone else, by sharing the experience, paying it forward or simply brightening another person’s day.

By choosing to work with independent businesses, Stagecoach also highlighted the important role local shops and cafés play in the life of the city.

The vouchers offered a boost to the local economy while encouraging residents to explore and support the businesses on their doorstep.

And Nicky Wetherell, supervisor at Cakes & Ale, said: “We are something of a hidden gem so we were delighted to be included by Stagecoach.”

Stagecoach hopes the gesture will remind people that kindness doesn’t have to be complicated or costly – sometimes it’s about taking a moment to do something thoughtful, unexpected or generous.