Veterans receive MoD grant

Suzanne Preston, manager Bob Elliott, arts and crafts co-ordinator Darren Horsnell

A veterans’ charity is mobile thanks to a grant from the Ministry of Defence which enabled them to buy a crew van.

Veterans In Communities works throughout East Lancashire, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale areas holding outreach sessions, community and social inclusion projects.

Hundreds of veterans have been helped by the organisation and the crew van, funded thanks to a grant of £21,200 from the MoD, will help the charity assist even more.

David Fishwick, from TV’s Bank of Dave notoriety, supplied the vehicle from his Colne-based minibus company and incorporated the veterans’ modifications and VIC livery.

Manager Bob Elliott said: “This is the third grant we have been successful in obtaining from the MoD through the Armed Forces Community Covenant - so far we have been able to secure £65,000.

“This shows that the document is very real and besides the grants from the MoD, in turn, we have more than matched that total through donations, fundraising, other grants and veterans freely donating their own time.

“The van has 11 seats and the back has been modified so we will be able to use it to transport items for projects we are carrying out.
“We will be using it for more social inclusion work and also to assist our community projects. It will be taking veterans fishing and walking, will be used by the art group and for day trips.

Roger Chaney, Business Development Manager, said: “We approached David Fishwick to supply the vehicle primarily because of his focus on helping the local community which has strong links with the projects delivered by VIC.”

Rossendale Hospice very kindly allowed VIC to use their minibus when it was not required but having their own transport opens up a whole new world for the charity.

“Our first social inclusion trip will be made to a quiz night organised by Bacup and Stacksteads Carnival Organisation at the Rose ‘n’ Bowl in Stacksteads on February 4,” said Bob.

Dave said: “Here at David Fishwick, we are passionate not only about minibuses’ but also in supporting a wide range of charitable initiatives.

“Upon learning about Veterans In Communities in detail, we were delighted to be given the opportunity to provide a vehicle specially adapted to fulfil their requirements and aid the valuable work VIC do in the local community.

“We are also pleased to be utilising the team at VIC to perform some maintenance work at our dealership in Colne – and look forward to working with them in the future wherever possible.”

David Fishwick will be blogging the van’s trips through social media and on the company’s website.