Following collaboration between Barry Lewis on behalf of the ALF and staff from St Vincent’s Community Hub in Southend, the ALF were delighted to be able to jointly handover the keys to a new support vehicle for St Vincent’s at the ALF 10s tournament on 12 July 2025.
In another seamless act of collaboration, the ALF provided the funds for the van purchase and the North Thameside Ladies Auxiliary (NTLA) stepped in to cover the additional costs to ensure it was safe and legal to perform its essential role collecting donations across the Essex area for individuals and families in crisis.
Following the presentation, St Vincent’s Centre Manager, Daniel Cauchi, told the Southend Echo: “This van is absolutely essential. We honestly don’t know how we managed without it – it’s a lifeline for so many of the people we support.”
It was a real delight to see the van at the ALF 10s and to meet the fabulous, hardworking staff from St Vincent’s and the equally fabulous and generous ladies from the NTLA.