Car dealership backs clothing campaign

A regional car dealership has become the latest business to get behind a campaign to support the region’s air ambulance through donating used clothing. Sherwoods Vauxhall have pledged to become champions of the Great North Air Ambulance Service’s Spare Some Space campaign. The campaign aims to utilise spare space at businesses and community buildings as collection points for used clothing. Sherwoods came forward and offered the use of its branches in Darlington, Stockton and Northallerton. The company is urging its staff members, customers and the general public to use these branches as drop off points for their unwanted clothing bags, which will be handed over to GNAAS. Simon MacConachie, site manager at Sherwoods, said: “When the charity asked us to support this campaign we jumped on board, it seemed like such a simple and practical way for us to show our support. “The charity needs space, which we fortunately have lots of.

A regional car dealership has become the latest business to get behind a campaign to support the region’s air ambulance through donating used clothing.

Sherwoods Vauxhall have pledged to become champions of the Great North Air Ambulance Service’s Spare Some Space campaign.

The campaign aims to utilise spare space at businesses and community buildings as collection points for used clothing.

Sherwoods came forward and offered the use of its branches in Darlington, Stockton and Northallerton.

The company is urging its staff members, customers and the general public to use these branches as drop off points for their unwanted clothing bags, which will be handed over to GNAAS.

Simon MacConachie, site manager at Sherwoods, said: “When the charity asked us to support this campaign we jumped on board, it seemed like such a simple and practical way for us to show our support.

“The charity needs space, which we fortunately have lots of. They also need points which are open to the general public every day of the week, again, which we can offer.”

Anyone wishing to get involved can pick up the empty clothing bags from any of the Sherwoods car garages, and then drop them back off at their own convenience once filled.

Mr MacConachie said: “We have pledged to collect and donate enough bags to reach our target of £3,000 by Air Ambulance Week taking place on September 19-25.

“We need our staff, customers and the general to public donate as much as they can. The general public are welcome to pop by any of our locations to drop off donations.”

The collection bags will be returned to the GNAAS recycling depot, in Newton Aycliffe, using the Sherwoods fleet of parts vans who deliver Vauxhall vehicle parts across the region.

Mandy Drake, head of fundraising at GNAAS, said: “A huge thanks to Sherwoods for getting behind the campaign. The campaign makes it easier for people to help us, and it also eliminates the issue of bag theft, which affects our clothing collections. We hope more businesses, schools and individuals can Spare Some Space for the local air ambulance.”