Local veterans’ charity receives big support from national logistics companies

Heywood charity Veterans into Logistics has had a strong start to 2024, after nine new partnerships with big haulage names, two companies displaying the charity’s logo on their vehicles, and a new prison programme.

Thomas Hardie Commercials Ltd (the main distributor for Volvo Trucks, Bus and Coach in the North West of England, North Wales and Lancashire), Enterprise UK & Ireland, NWF Fuels, Workforce Recruitment Group, Boughey Distribution Ltd, TRS Training, Armstrong Logistics, Bunzl Retail Supplies and Fullers Logistics have all signed up to the charity’s patron scheme - joining the likes of Asda Logistics Services, Mϋller UK & Ireland and Stobart. 

Asda and Thomas Hardie have both displayed the Veterans into Logistics logo on their vehicles after being awarded ‘platinum partner’ plaques in recognition of their support. 

Thomas Hardie has displayed the logo on its Volvo I-Save demonstrator truck, named the vehicle “The Jamie Doyle” in memory of the former British Army soldier who is the inspiration behind the charity.

The demonstrator truck will be used by companies to test drive the new energy-efficient Volvo I-Save and it will also visit shows and events across the North West.

The charity has had a long running partnership with Asda, which announced Veterans into Logistics as one of its charities earlier this year. Asda will hold fundraising events at its depots: its first, an awards night celebrating achievements within the haulage industry, raised over £54,000 for Veterans into Logistics. 

In March, the charity’s founder, Darren Wright, was interviewed for a poignant video for The Veterans’ Foundation to help promote The Veterans’ Foundation Lottery. This was an emotional filming day for the former Royal Artillery Airborne Gunner as he spoke about his life from his days in the British Army, PTSD diagnosis and reaching rock bottom.

The charity is also achieving success in helping with the rehabilitation of veterans serving time in prison who are coming to the end of their sentences. Working with HMP Risley and HMP Thorn Cross, Veterans into Logistics has established a programme providing a pathway into an HGV driving career upon release.

Darren said: "I would like to thank all the companies and individuals who are supporting Veterans into Logistics in what has been a fantastic year for the charity so far.

“I am passionate about advocating for former military personnel who deserve a new career after leaving the forces. To see our charity logo on our patrons' trucks including Asda, Armstrongs Logistics and Fullers Logistics shows how far our charity has come in the last four years. I’m humbled when I hear big companies telling me how they support what we do and wanting to help ex-military personnel into new careers to thank them for their service.

“With approximately 15,000 men and women leaving the military each year, we are always looking for more support to ensure we can place those who come to us through our fully funded training and into stable employment as they make the transition to civilian life."

Veterans into Logistics, which aims to prevent unemployment and homelessness among military veterans and Armed Forces service leavers, currently helps over a hundred veterans a year by paying for driver training, HGV licences and medical costs. 

Veterans are then offered employment with the charity’s partners as HGV drivers, after being impressed with their loyalty, dedication and hard-working attitude from their time in the military. 

In addition to providing or facilitating HGV driver training, Veterans into Logistics trainers - who are ex-military themselves - provide mentoring and guidance during what can be a daunting time for some as they make the transition to civilian life.