GENEROUS supporters went the extra mile to grant a Park North charity a brand new van yesterday.

Back in January Swindon Restore launched a crowdfunding drive to replace their old van, due to escalating repair costs.

Restore’s previous van had more than 180,000 miles on the clock with the charity relying upon it daily to collect furniture to sell for low prices to people who cannot afford furniture.

And thanks to 29 backers, including sizeable donations of £2,000 from the Actuaries CACT, £2,000 from Imagine Cruising and £10,000 from an anonymous donor, more than £18,000 was raised.

Restore took delivery of their van from the M4 van centre this week and it is already having a positive effect on the community.

Dignitaries including Mayor of Swindon Andrew Bennett and Restore chair of trustees Russell Riggs united at the charity’s Whitbourne Avenue shop to celebrate the purchase of the VW Luton Transporter van.

Restore project manager Ian Howard said Restore’s recent addition would keep them on track to help as many people as possible in the community.

“I had faith that it would work out from the beginning but you always have self-doubt because it is such a huge amount of money,” he said.

“People in the community have noticed the new van, and it’s had a really positive effect on the charity and the work we do all over Swindon, we are known and this van really helps with our image.

“The van really cheered up the volunteers and given them that extra boost. It obviously runs a lot more smoothly and it means that we can help more people without any worry about a large bill coming our way.

“This new van will allow us to continue collecting donations and delivering purchases from our shop to raise money to help our volunteers improve their lives and hopefully get back into full time work.”

Mayor Andrew Bennett was proud to lend his support to Restore.

“Restore are an important part of Swindon and the people in Swindon are so inclusive that I never had any doubt the target would be reached,” he said.

“Now more people will benefit from the very good and vital work that Restore do on a daily basis.”

The trade-in on the old van left £2,391.96 spare which will be used to cover the running costs of the new van.

Restore comprises a charity shop and community café based out of St John’s Hall, Whitbourne Avenue. The charity works with the long-term unemployed and those unable to work due to ill-health. Most of their money comes from collecting and selling second-hand furniture and other goods such as clothing, toys and books.