| | Charity logs on with Rossetts |
A funding pledge that was subsequently rescinded by one of Britain’s best-known companies could not thwart Hailsham-based Computers for Charities’ long-held ambition to buy its own delivery truck.
The registered charity’s volunteers will use their new, high-roofed Mercedes Atego 818 to deliver humanitarian aid into eastern Europe, as well as to support educational and other projects closer to home.
Rossetts Commercials and Mercedes-Benz have both put money into the vehicle, allowing Computers for Charity to benefit from a highly competitive purchase price.
The new 7.5-tonner boasts a high specification that includes air-conditioning, an extra bunk, rear air suspension, and long range, 280-litre fuel tanks – the standard tank has a 125-litre capacity. The truck’s box body, meanwhile, is by Kemp Commercials, of Benfleet, Essex, and fitted with a tail-lift.
Simon Rooksby founded Computers for Charities in 1994, after identifying an opportunity to redress waste and supply unwanted computers to deserving causes. Since then the registered charity’s remit has broadened to include aid supply and a range of projects as far afield as Africa and India.
Computers for Charities’ only other vehicle is a 3.5-tonne Mercedes Sprinter van, bought from Rossetts a couple of years ago. “It’s given fantastic service, enduring some dreadful roads and temperatures of minus 25°F,” says Mr Rooksby.
“But I’m 6’5” tall and anyone who have ever slept across the seats of a Sprinter will know it isn’t easy. So we launched an appeal to buy our new truck with sleeper cab, which will make us much more effective.
“Having placed the order with Rossetts it was a serious blow to have the rug pulled from beneath us when our major sponsor withdrew. But we’ve rearranged our finances and pressed ahead, albeit reluctantly, with an hp package.”
Mr Rooksby adds: “We could buy cheaper vehicles but they don’t offer the strength and reliability of a Mercedes. Given the poor quality of some of the roads we travel they would inevitably end up falling to bits, making them more expensive in the long run.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank both Rossetts Commercials and Mercedes-Benz for the help they have given us in specifying our new Atego, and for the supported purchase price.” |
| |  Contact person |
| David Edwards
Area Truck Sales Manager Crawley and Worthing
Tel.: 07803 188781 |
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