Caltech Lifts has helped Dundee Foodbank keep its essential service running and save vital funds by loaning it a van after its own came to the end of the road.
On June 1 the foodbank van, which was donated by a local businessman in 2013 and has been used to collect food donations and move them between its Dunsinane Avenue warehouse and its four centres, came to a grinding halt.
An inspection by a neighbouring garage revealed a new clutch and gearbox costing at least £1,000 would be needed to fix the van.
£250 a week
While the foodbank’s trustees issued an appeal to local firms for a replacement to be donated or sponsored, the foodbank was forced to hire a van from a local garage at a cost of £250 a week to keep the vital meals moving.
Last Saturday Caltech Lifts Managing Director Andrew Renwick spotted the foodbank’s Facebook post appealing for a sponsored replacement and immediately offered to loan them one of the vans they keep spare to cover for ones out of use until a full-time replacement is found. The foodbank gratefully accepted.
On Monday Andrew delivered the van to the foodbank warehouse, where it was immediately pressed into action moving meals round the city. It also allowed the hired van to be returned and a £250 refund claimed for the rental booked for this week.
‘Very grateful‘
Speaking about the generous loan, Dundee Foodbank Warehouse Coordinator, Michael Calder, said: “We’re very very grateful to Andrew and Caltech Lifts for the loan of their van as it will save us £250 a week and allow us to continue our work as Scotland’s busiest Trussell Trust foodbank – distributing 80 tonnes of food a year to people in desperate need.
“We now have an offer from another business to source a replacement van and we’re looking into that. In the meantime, Caltech’s van will keep our essential service going.”
Andrew Renwick said: “When I saw the foodbank’s Facebook post I knew we had to help in any way we could because I’ve heard a lot about the great work they do. We’re sorry we’re not in a position to give it to them permanently, but are glad it will help keep things going until they can get a replacement.”
To offer help with a new van, contact Dundee Foodbank on [email protected] or call (01382) 698020.
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