Van to support Uniting’s emergency relief work

INTERLEASING in collaboration with Plan Partners has provided Uniting Ballarat with a new 2021 Iveco Daily van.

Replacing the welfare agency’s old van which is no longer fit-for-purpose, the new donated vehicle will support the homelessness, emergency relief, and BreezeWay community meals programs.

“This van is more than just a vehicle, it keeps our BreezeWay meals program operating,” said Uniting Ballarat manager assertive outreach and housing manager Stacey Park.

“Every day, it brings us the donated food that fuels our kitchen and helps us serve hundreds of people in Ballarat who are facing tough times.

“With this reliable new van, we can continue to expand our reach and ensure no one in our community goes hungry. It’s a real game-changer for everyone involved, from our volunteers to the vulnerable people we support.

“This van will also move people from rough sleeping into long term housing. Without this van, we can’t support people to move where they need to move to with all their items.”

Interleasing general manager Anthony Perri said the fleet and commercial asset solutions business is delighted to be “building this partnership with purpose.”

“Interleasing and Plan Partners are honoured to collaborate with Uniting Vic Tas, providing a fully supported vehicle solution that reflects our shared commitment to community, compassion and care in Ballarat,” Mr Perri said.

Uniting Ballarat’s therapeutic youth and families manager Warrick Davison said the old van was becoming expensive as it often needed repairs, so the organisation jumped at the opportunity to partner with Interleasing and Plan Partners.

“We’re coming together to support each other and we’re really grateful,” he said.

“It has a direct local impact on our community.”

BreezeWay volunteer driver Malcolm Wilson said the new wheels make his job a lot easier.

“It’s a safer vehicle to drive in, so it’s really good,” he said.

“Sometimes I go to supermarkets to pick up food donations and supplies, or go to other agencies.

“We have been to McCain’s before; they loaded up a pallet of goods for us.”