The vehicle manufacturer, whose UK headquarters are at Tongwell, has provided a Vito van for the charity to use in moving stock from its warehouse to its ten locally-based shops, transporting event material for fund-raising activities and supporting the maintenance team.
The van is liveried with the distinctive “always there to care” Willen Hospice logo which will help to raise the charity’s profile.
Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles managing director Ian Jones is pictured handing over the van to Willen Hospice chief executive Paul Hinson.
Mr Jones said: “We have a long history of working in partnership with Willen Hospice and supporting them with their fundraising activities. We are therefore delighted to take this support to the next level by providing a Mercedes-Benz Vito van which will allow the Hospice to do even more good work in the Milton Keynes community.”
Volunteers at the Friends of Willen Hospice will also use the van at their fund-raising events, while the Vito will also become a limousine for Florence, the charity walk Midnight Moo’s fun mascot, as she promotes future fund-raising events. Last year’s event – a midnight walk around Central Milton Keynes – raised around £225,000.
As he received the keys to the vehicle, Mr Hinson said: "Mercedes-Benz UK has been a wonderful supporter and a truly great friend to Willen Hospice for many years. The donation of a van in our 30th anniversary year is incredibly generous and something of which we were in desperate need.”
