December 2006

Two firms have come to the rescue of a local charity by sponsoring a new forklift truck.  Apollo Plant Ltd in Boston, Lincolnshire and Nissan Forklifts in Coalville have bridged the funding gap to provide a brand new forklift truck to Konnect9, a local charity.

Konnect9 is a ‘Gifts in Kind’ charity.  Businesses donate their end of line stock and Konnect9 re-distributes these, free of charge, to people in need.  Toys, clothing, toiletries, books and refurbished computers are gifted to the homeless, women and children fleeing domestic violence, the elderly and infirm, children and young people with special needs.  The charity also sends medical aid and equipment to hospitals and clinics overseas. It has distributed over ½ a million pounds worth of ‘Gifts in Kind’ since it began in November 2001.

Konnect9’s Chair, Bindu Majithia says, “Most of the goods received are on pallets and a forklift truck is vital for moving these around.  We had a second hand forklift which broke down a while ago.  We have raised £8,000 to buy a new one (£5,000 from the Lloyds TSB Foundation and £3,000 from the Trusthouse Charitable Foundation) but new forklifts cost over £12,000.”

Konnect9 approached Apollo Plant for support.  Apollo is the authorised dealer for Nissan forklifts and has depots in Market Harborough, Nottingham, Boston and Norwich.  Sales Director Ian Merry was quick to take up the challenge and immediately contacted Nissan.  Between them, the two companies are bridging the gap of over £4,000.  

Ian says, “Apollo Plant Ltd is always keen to support local charities.  It makes a nice change to be able to offer something other than just financial support. In providing a new state of the art Nissan forklift we are confident that Konnect9 will have the ability to transport much needed goods for a very long time to come. It is an honour for us to play a small part in supporting such a worth while project, especially at Christmas time when everyone knows that the pleasure really is in the giving.”

“Apollo and Nissans’ wonderful gesture has come just at the right time,” says volunteer Sujata. “We need to get a lot of goods out to people for Christmas.”
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If you are a business that has surplus stock to donate please contact Sujata at Konnect9 on 0116 210 2456 or email konnect9@aol.com.