Stripey Gets His Own Wheels

With the generous support of Raven Housing Trust, we are proud to introduce the newest member of Team Stork – our very own fully electric Ford Transit van. The introduction of the van marks a significant milestone for us, allowing us to support our 1,325 individual referral partners from 450 referral organisations, many of whom rely on our delivery service to distribute essential items to vulnerable families.

Since our launch in 2013, our mission has been to support as many local families as possible. As we’ve grown and the demand for our service has risen, we have been working hard to reach as many families as possible across the whole of Surrey. Our service has operated on a collection basis, but in recent years we’ve introduced weekly deliveries to help even more families experiencing hardship. With the ongoing cost of living crisis, it became clear that there were still many families we could support, but distance posed a significant barrier. That’s why we recognised the need for our own van to facilitate daily deliveries to every corner of the county.

Since 1^st September 2023, we have provided support to 10,400 families, up from 8,443 in the same period last year. To meet demand and to provide the best service we can, we now operate seven delivery hubs, with an additional hub in Croydon set to launch soon and serve 13 other locations across the region. Deliveries are scheduled from Monday to Thursday each week.

With deliveries up and running, there was just one thing missing – our distinctive orange and turquoise colours. We turned to Redhill signwriting firm Boss Dog who expertly wrapped the van in our design. As it makes its rounds across the region, the van will be a recognisable sight, symbolising our commitment to supporting families in need. The vibrant design not only enhances visibility but also serves as a mobile ambassador for our mission, spreading awareness wherever it goes.

Nicola Dawes DL, Chief Executive of Stripey Stork, said:

We are so pleased to add this fully electric van to ‘Team Stork’. It represents not just a leap in our operational capabilities, but also our commitment to sustainability. This van ensures that no family in need is out of reach, regardless of where they are in Surrey or the surrounding areas. We are incredibly grateful to Raven Housing Trust for their support in making this possible.

Angela Ellis, Head of Community Investment & Partnerships at Raven Housing Trust, added:

Raven Housing Trust is proud to support Stripey Stork in their mission to provide essential items to families who need them most. By helping them transition to an electric vehicle, we are not only supporting their growth but also contributing to a more sustainable future for our communities. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this van will have on the lives of so many families.

The new electric van is a fantastic step forward for Stripey Stork and a testament to our commitment to ‘spreading our wings’ across Surrey and beyond. With this new vehicle, we are well-positioned to expand our reach and continue making a difference in the lives of thousands of families across the region.