The local charity project raises money for a number of charities through the resale of household items and clothing donated by residents of Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas. The project actively encourages residents to donate items that would otherwise be thrown out for the Re-Use Community Project to sell on or to recycle.
The 2011 Ford Transit 350 long wheel base, high roof van was donated by Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions after being approached by ITV’s Surprise Surprise programme.
In line with the project’s ethos, the vehicle had previously been in service with a corporate client and was fully refurbished by the Vehicle Preparation Centre team at Hitachi Capital’s Trowbridge campus to enable its re-use by the charity to collect and deliver donations from the local community as well as promoting its work.
The van was donated on national television on Boxing Day, with millions of viewers able to see the handover of the van on Surprise Surprise.
Margaret Mann at the Re-Use Community Project said: “We are overwhelmed by Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions’ generosity. We are always surprised by the amount people donate, especially over Christmas, but Hitachi Capital has taken this to the next level. They completely understood our key message and donated something that will have a direct positive impact on our local community.”
Matt Schembri, head of marketing & strategy at Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, added: “We were really impressed by the work of Re-Use and their ability to make a positive impact on the local community in Milton Keynes. The project’s story and ethos inspired us to help them by donating this vehicle, which I am sure will help in the future success of the project in the years to come.”
