Yorkshire’s largest independent vehicle-hire firm has entered into a long-term partnership with Barnsley Hospice.
Arrow Self Drive will provide the charity with exclusive use of a Luton tail lift van, for use across the hospice’s nine retail sites in the region.
Arrow Self Drive’s contribution will allow the charity to increase the amount of deliveries made each month, as well as provide more capacity for larger items to be sold to raise increased funds.
The retail stores play a vital role in generating income for the charity, which has to raise over £2m a year, in addition to a £1.6m grant from the NHS to continue its vital work.
Barnsley Hospice provides specialist compassionate care to hundreds of local people every year; supporting individuals with active and progressive life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, heart disease or Parkinson’s.
The van, which has been branded with the orange Barnsley Hospice logo, will be used to collect and deliver donations, such as large items of furniture, to and from the retail sites.
Established in 1988, Arrow Self Drive is a family-run business. Employing a team of more than 80 local individuals, Arrow Self Drive delivers safe, sustainable and affordable road transport to hundreds of customers across Yorkshire.
Retail manager of Barnsley Hospice, Stephen Hatfield, said:
“Buying things from our shops, or donating good quality stock, is a great way of supporting the hospice and just as important as fundraising. Up until now have relied on an old Luton van, but this larger new Luton van gives us greater capacity to move around bulky items, and its tail lift will make it easier for our team to load and unload heavy furniture.
“The costs associated with running and maintaining a vehicle can be high and as a charity this would be a big financial burden, so we are delighted with the vehicle and servicing that Arrow Self Drive will provide through the partnership. We thank Arrow Self Drive for their support at a crucial time of growth for us.”
Louise Ramsbottom, manager at Arrow Self Drive Barnsley depot commented:
“We are delighted to be able to support the Hospice in this way. Like most local companies, we have, in the past, helped the Hospice through the odd hire here and there and through our fundraising tea parties.
“We hope that by extending our support and providing them with a dedicated vehicle long term will make a real difference to them. Supporting our local communities is a key aim of the Company and we will continue to help wherever we can.”
