We Care UK supports vulnerable and elderly residents with help of van from Reflex Vehicle Hire

A new outreach project has expanded its essential service delivering food parcels and support to vulnerable people using a van donated by Reflex Vehicle Hire.

Leicester-based organisation We Care UK was formed in November last year to help the homeless and vulnerable members of the community, but the arrival of Coronavirus saw its workload dramatically increase.

The Coronavirus has trapped many elderly and vulnerable residents indoors, while others lack the funds to pay for necessities such as heating.

Low income vulnerable families are struggling financially and do not have finances available to provide meals for their children and rely heavily on schools to provide essential meals such as breakfast and lunch.

By donating a van, Reflex Vehicle Hire has enabled We Care UK to transport an increased number of food parcels throughout a growing area and expand its range of support.

The van has enabled We Care UK to deliver a high number of food parcels to support vulnerable families who are suffering financially due to Covid-19.

It was set up by five friends and now provides support to people in the East and West Midlands, Warwickshire and Northampton and to date has delivered more than 4,000 food parcels, in addition to providing a range of other support services, such as a meter top up service and guidance on receiving benefits, support and social housing.

The five founders initially invested £10,000 to fund We Care UK’s work and they have since been supported by a growing network of individual and business donors.

This includes restaurants in each area that will respond to urgent food requests with deliveries while a food parcel is prepared.

The team has also raised funds and donations for equipment to be delivered to local NHS trusts.

Jason Bains, one of We Care UK’s founders, says:

“Coronavirus has left people very isolated, particularly the elderly and vulnerable. Having a van from Reflex Vehicle Hire has made a real difference to the number of parcels we can carry. We can be delivering up to 60 miles away from our warehouse, so it’s important to minimise trips to reduce fuel use.”

Reflex has provided a van with the latest Euro 6 engine that offers the highest levels of economy and low emissions, so that We Care UK is protecting the environment while helping residents.

The van has also been used to help carry isolated elderly residents on safe outdoor trips, such as spending time in the park.

Jason adds:

“We would not have been able to meet the demand we have faced without the support of Reflex Vehicle Hire and we are immensely grateful for their help.”

We Care UK is raising funds through Just Giving to support its work, in addition to receiving donations for food parcels from businesses and individuals.

It has been approved for charitable status, but since its application was submitted in November, there have been extensive delays in processing caused by the pandemic.

Lisa Spong, Sales Director for Reflex Vehicle Hire, said:

“We are delighted to support such a worthy cause that makes such a difference at this difficult time for the vulnerable and elderly. Reflex Vehicle Hire works as a partner to its customers and their communities and this includes supporting worthy causes such as We Care UK.”

We Care UK is currently crowdfunding to generate funds for its growing programme of support. To donate visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wecare-uk-1?utm_term=vDa7ZxRjz.

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