A homelessness charity in Nottingham has taken delivery of an electric van to help transport donations, thanks to support from the local community.
The Friary, which is based in West Bridgford, will use the vehicle to collect and deliver items such as food and household appliances, after its previous diesel van became too expensive to run.
The electric Mercedes Sprinter has been provided thanks to the support of Trent Bridge Rotary Club in West Bridgford, local garage proprietor David Drew and an un-named charitable trust.
Said David: “I’ve been looking after and servicing the Friary’s vehicles for many years and knew it was time for the old van to be replaced due to the amount it was costing the charity. I carried out a lot of research and the logical way forward was to have an electric van.”
An electric charging point has been installed at the Friary’s base on Musters Road in West Bridgford. The charity’s Chief Executive, Ben Talbot, said the 80-mile range of the van is ideal for local journeys.
“The previous van had become too costly to run, and we were delighted with this electric van, which is comfortable to drive and is good for the environment,” said Ben. “We’d like to say a big thank you to all those who have made this possible. It’ll make a big difference to the charity.”
The van will be used for a range of tasks including the collection of food from supermarkets and picking-up donations such as household appliances and taking them to those in need (after electrical checks) or taking items to a storage depot.
The President of the Trent Bridge Rotary Club, Charles Moore, said the organisation was pleased to help the local charity. “It’s great to support a really good cause like the Friary who do wonderful work in the local community,” said Charles.
Image: Pictured with the electric van are (left to right) Friary founder Ann Bremner MBE, Friary Chief Executive Ben Talbot (in the driving seat), President of Trent Bridge Rotary Club Charles Moore and local garage proprietor David Drew.