A new Toyota Hiace for Vinnies SA
The CMI Toyota team are proud to support many amazing and life-changing organisations across our community.
Our parent company, the CMV Group, established the CMV Group Foundation in 1953 to ensure that we are able to assist a range of organisations across South Australia.
Through the Foundation, we were proud to present the St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies), with a fully-equipped Toyota HiAce van which will play a vital role in their ‘Fred’s Van’ meal program across South Australia.
Fred’s Van is a food service for people who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness and marginalisation in Adelaide and across South Australia. Fred’s Van has over 500 volunteers and provides approximately 550 meals a week.
Vinnies CEO, Michelle Kemp, and Kristi Hermsen, Fundraising, Marketing and Communications General Manager, were very excited to visit our West Terrace dealership to receive the keys from CMI Toyota General Manager, Drew Ford and Corporate Account Manager, James George-Corbyn, who worked closely with the organisation on the project.
“Vinnies has enjoyed a very positive partnership with CMI Toyota and the CMV Group, and we are pleased to be the beneficiaries of this very generous CMV Group Foundation grant.
The CMV Group doesn’t just talk the talk when it comes to corporate social responsibility – they really do walk the walk, and Vinnies’ ability to serve people facing or at risk of homelessness is enhanced because of it,” said Michelle.
The current 'Fred's Van' is over 14 years old and is a manual, so this brand new HiAce van will certainly be an impressive addition to their fleet.
Enhancements to the HiAce van were donated thanks to Scrap Hotline and completed through Willshire Motor Trimmers. This included power, lighting and seating for the volunteers, as well as food storage compartments and an awning to ensure volunteers can still serve when it’s raining. Willshire also kindly donated the motorized electric step to ensure easy access to the side of the vehicle.
The Toyota HiAce van also includes all of the latest technology and safety features thanks to Toyota Safety Sense, and has an automatic transmission, ensuring all volunteers are able to drive it.
Teresa Branch, Fred’s Van Co-ordinator says, “We are just so excited to have a new Fred’s Van vehicle on the road, and the response from both volunteers and diners has been really positive.
The old van served us well, but it was definitely time for an upgrade.
The new Toyota HiAce is larger and more accessible, so we can pack items more easily and safely; and having an automatic vehicle gives us greater flexibility as more volunteers can get behind the wheel. Sincere thanks to CMI Toyota and the CMV Group.”
Congratulations to the Vinnies team and we look forward to seeing ‘Fred’ out on the South Australian roads – we’re sure you won’t miss it!
More about the Fred’s Van Program
Through the Fred’s Van program, Vinnies support some of the most vulnerable people in our community who experience a range of issues such as homelessness, social isolation and unemployment. Those forced to live roughly can access Fred’s Van for a hot, nutritious meal, blankets, clothing and food vouchers, donated books, social connection and referrals to other community service and Government agencies.
The service provides more than 40,000 nutritious meals a year, lifting personal health and inspiring the army of volunteers that enjoy making a positive difference to the wellbeing of people experiencing disadvantage. Fred's Van also practice food rescue at all sites.
