Leicester Co-op distribution hub donates two vehicles to help people in need and to train the mechanics of tomorrow
Posted by rob smyth | Published: 12/10/2017
Central England Co-operative has donated two vehicles used to deliver food up and down the country to support budding mechanics and people in need across the globe.
Youngsters at Stephenson College, in Coalville, Leicestershire, have received a LGV tractor unit and the National Police Aid Convoy team, in Mansfield, received a funeral limousine from colleagues at the Society’s Food Distribution Centre, in Scudamore Road, Leicester.
The college will use the LGV tractor unit as a training vehicle for students on the maintenance and repair course, allowing them to get hands on practical experience.
The National Police Aid Convoy team will use the limousine to give people dignified funerals in Zambia.
Robin Farrell, Head of Distribution and Logistics at Central England Co-operative, said: “As a responsible and co-operative business, we are delighted to be able to use two vehicles, which have helped us serve our customers so well over the years, to now help others.
“It is great to know that they will be going to help people in need and to help train the mechanics of the future.
“At Central England Co-operative, we pride ourselves on our reputation as an ethical business and focus on corporate responsibility. This donation is a great example of us giving back and supporting others in need.”
Dr Nigel Leigh, Principal and Chief Executive of Stephenson College, said: “We would like to extend our thanks to Central England Co-operative for another generous donation.
“Our students' practical skills will benefit greatly whilst working on the new LGV truck and their improved knowledge will be advantageous to their employer's productivity.
"Central England Co-op has again demonstrated a commitment to training the next generation of vehicle technicians and we are very proud of our association with such a forward thinking organisation.”
UK National Police Aid Convoys is a volunteer run charity that has been running for 24 years and is based in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.
Its membership is drawn from all walks of life and it uses its influence to deliver donated items to areas of the world where need is identified through poverty, war or natural disaster.
David Scott, Trustee Chairman of UK National Police Aid Convoy, said: “The UK's Police Aid Convoys are delighted that Central England Co-operative is keeping us supplied with these type of vehicles.
“This will be traveling to Zambia to bring a little dignity and respect currently absent in funerals.”
Previously, the Society has donated four vehicles to the charity which were used to help people in Ghana and Zambia.
Notes to editors
Picture caption: Representatives from Central England Co-operative handover the LGV tractor unit to Stephenson College.
Picture caption: Students from Stephenson College inspect the LGV tractor unit donated by Central England Co-operative.
About Central England Co-operative
Central England Co-operative is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK. It is a modern, forward-looking organisation employing over 8,000 staff, with gross sales of £927 million in 2016/17. The Society’s principal areas of activity are food, funeral services, and property investment. Central England Co-operative has over 400 trading outlets across 16 counties including; West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. The Society has an ambitious food store development programme for 2017.
Central England Co-operative is proud of its reputation for ethical business practices and corporate responsibility. It is a member of Business in the Community, the membership organisation that stands for responsible business, and has also won many business awards for excellence. The Society supports a number of charities including Dementia UK and invests a percentage of its trading profit into local communities.
Becoming a member of Central England Co-operative offers a whole host of benefits ranging from collecting points every time you spend in store to earn a share of the profits, access to members activities and community initiatives including the Community Dividend Fund, which hands out grants of up to £5,000 to charities and good causes across the Society’s trading estate.
Find out how to become a Central England Co-operative member by calling 0800 0501 601, emailing members@centralengland.coop or visiting https://www.members.coop
For more information visit www.centralengland.coop, follow Central England Co-operative on Twitter: @mycoopfood, and on Facebook: facebook.com/centralenglandcooperative
Rob Smyth / Heather Clapton at Central England Co-operative on 01543 414140
Email –publicrelations@centralengland.coop