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smart of Derby answers the Samaritans' call for help
smart of Derby was quick to listen when the Derby and District Branch of Samaritans sent out a call for support.
The St Christopher’s Way retailer rose to the occasion by lending its showroom to the charity when it required a handover venue for the Tamworth-Derby leg of its national Samaritans smart tour.
The event was designed to raise awareness of the Samaritans vital, round-the-clock 24-hour service and saw a fully-liveried smart visit 175 branches of the Samaritans throughout England, Wales and Scotland, setting off from the Birmingham branch on 10th July and finishing its 5,000-mile round trip on 24th July (24-7).
At each branch the smart – an early left-hand drive fortwo model donated to Birmingham Samaritans by a volunteer who works at the branch – was handed over to a different driver. Those taking the wheel included the charity’s volunteers, local MPs, mayors and even Top Gear’s The Stig.
Roadworks outside the Derby Samaritans’ Burton Road centre meant that it would be near impossible for the car to be handed over there and the charity contacted smart of Derby to see if the retailer could lend its showroom.
‘Veronica’, Derby Samaritans’ Media Officer, was delighted at the response from the retailer’s team and its hosting of the handover, which was also attended by the Mayor of Derby, Cllr Amar Nath.
“The reaction was fantastic and despite the handover being late in the afternoon with heavy traffic and near the close of business, the smart of Derby team gave the car and our volunteers a very warm welcome,” explained Veronica.
“At every stage of my contact with the site they offered nothing but warmth and encouragement and we are very grateful to them for taking the time and trouble to participate in this event.”
Veronica was assisted by smart of Derby’s Richard Steel, Chris Carr and Kinewyn Jackson and General Manager Chris was thrilled to help.
“The Samaritans provides an invaluable service that supports millions of people each year, so when the chance came to be part of the charity’s national event and support our local branch we were only too pleased to help.”
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