Generator for street van

LEW Findlay receives the generator with Pioneer New World owner Damian Wong, and Street Van vice president Bruce Gordon. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

After being nominated by their community for an in-store promotion, the Palmerston North Street Van has landed a new generator.

During a ceremony last week, the volunteer organisation was gifted the essential item by Pioneer New World.

The generator was on the volunteer organisation's wishlist for two years but, with limited funds, it had been kept on the backburner.

Operating in the city for more than 20 years, president Lew Findlay said the charity's nomination was a reflection of the high regard they were held in.

"When I got the call to say we were nominated I thought this is great but I never expected it to be as good as it was. To get a generator is huge."

Mr Findlay said the van, which usually parks in The Square, has to move when it rains and a power source is usually scarce.

"If we have to move we have no power. The food can't stay warm ... with the generator we can keep our food and drink warm. This means a lot to those we help."

Mr Findlay said they can give out more than 100 hot drinks on just one shift.

"We get people who come out and tell us we took them home 20 years ago as kids. People know and trust us — we get people turning up for help during the week because of this."

The Street Van, run solely by volunteers, is also in need of extra hands.

"We really need volunteers. Most nights we can only take the one van out then we have to return for the other, so we really do need them."

Pioneer New World store manager Jason Carter said they felt good about gifting something to an organisation which supports the community.

"We want the community to support us too, so we like to give back, and we like to involve the customers when doing so."

Already this year, they have supported nine organisations with their in-store programme.

"It's our way of showing support. The organisations are always very grateful and Street Van was no different — especially when they realised we could gift them such an important part of their tool kit."

To find out more about the Palmerston North Street Van or to volunteer, call Lew Findlay on (06) 356-3337 or 021 615 245.