Preventing unemployment and homelessness for military veterans
The charity’s mission is to prevent unemployment and homelessness among military veterans and Armed Forces service leavers. Founded by former Royal Artillery Airborne Gunner, Darren Wright in memory of his former Army friend, Jamie Doyle, the charity believes a career in logistics can provide the stability and structure as well as good pay deserved by those who have served their country.
More big names pledge support
After a successful first four years with ongoing support from big names including Asda Logistics Services, Mϋller UK & Ireland and Stobart, this year has seen 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 all announcing their support to the charity by signing up to the Veterans into Logistics Patron Scheme, enabling the charity to continue its vital work.
The charity currently helps over a hundred veterans a year by paying for driver training, HGV licence and medical costs. The charity is then able to facilitate employment with one of its many partners including Asda, Mϋller UK & Ireland and Stobart who return to the charity for their HGV drivers after being impressed with their loyalty, dedication and hard-working attitude from their time in the military. The charity is unique as it not only provides or facilitates HGV driver training, but as the trainers are ex-military themselves, they provide mentoring and guidance during what can be a daunting time for some as they make the transition to civilian life.
Strong partnership with Asda Logistics Services
The charity has established a strong partnership with Asda Logistics Services. In March, Founder Darren Wright presented ALS with a special PLATINUM PARTNER plaque in recognition of the company’s tremendous support and the company now displays the Veterans into Logistics logo on their trucks.
In March, the supermarket giant announced Veterans into Logistics as one of their charities of the year and will hold fundraising events across their depots. Their first event – an awards night celebrating achievements within the haulage industry and compèred by Shaun Williamson, aka Barry from EastEnders – raised an incredible £54,957 for the charity!
Thomas Hardie I-Save demonstrator
In April, the charity was delighted to see the Veterans into Logistics logo and branding on PLATINUM PARTNER, Thomas Hardie’s Volvo I-Save demonstrator truck. They kindly named the vehicle “The Jamie Doyle” in memory of the former British Army soldier and friend of our Founder, Darren Wright – who is the inspiration for our charity and mission.
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.
Support from The Veterans’ Foundation
In March, Veterans into Logistics’ 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 Darren as he spoke about his life from his days in the British Army, PTSD diagnosis and reaching rock bottom. His inspirational story which led to setting up Veterans into Logistics and helping hundreds of veterans into employment is available to view on social media.
Working with HMP Risley and HMP Thorn Cross
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.
Founder and former Royal Artillery Airborne Gunner Darren Wright 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.”
Image credit: Veterans into Logistics