December brought a special kind of delivery to the SPCA Op Shop on Spey Street, a tail lift truck that’s set to transform how their dedicated volunteers do their work.
Thanks in part to a joint grant from ILT and the ILT Foundation totalling $18,000, the SPCA team were able to purchase a second-hand Foton Aumark truck, a huge upgrade from their faithful but ageing 2003 Nissan Caravan.
Op Shop Manager Zivannah Otto couldn’t hide her excitement at the arrival.
“It’s a real step up from the old van that served us well for so long. This will be a game changer for our team and save our backs!” she said.
Capable of lifting up to 1.5 tonnes, the new truck means second-hand furniture donations can now be secured easily and safely using the automatic tail lift, with no more awkward manoeuvres.
The upgrade will be especially valuable for the Op Shop’s 29 volunteers, ranging in age from 18 to 82, including individuals with neurodiverse needs, disabilities, and new immigrants. No special licence is required to drive the truck helping the to improve efficiency, safety and comfort so volunteers can continue their important work.
“The new truck will boost our operational capacity, support increased donations and enhance volunteer safety,” said Sarah Elliott, SPCA Head of Philanthropy. “Ultimately, it strengthens our ability to fund animal welfare through our Op Shops which directly support the SPCA Invercargill Centre.”
“ILT’s support of this project means so much to us and the 5,400 lives it will touch. Together we can continue to lift lives, protect animals, strengthen our community and protect our environment.”
Each year, the Invercargill Centre rescues more than 630 animals and rehomes over 390 into loving families, funded by revenue from its two local Op Shops, which Sarah describes as “engines of hope, sustainability, and community connection”.
For ILT, supporting this project speaks directly to its purpose of serving the community.
“This grant is about providing a hand up, not a handout,” said Paddy O’Brien, ILT President. “By supporting this truck, we’re helping ensure more of the money coming in through the shops goes directly to caring for animals and we’re proud to support that work.”
With added safety and improved efficiency, this new truck is helping the SPCA carry the community’s generosity further than ever. It doesn’t get any better than that.
