A charity dedicated to assisting people in Scotland with a spinal cord injury has benefitted from a community programme operated by Toyota UK after collecting a new electric vehicle from a Hamilton dealership.
Initially founded in 1965 as the Scottish Paraplegic Association, Spinal Injuries Scotland operates across the country at outreach clinics held by the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit.
The charity’s vision is to provide positive change for those living with a spinal cord injury by removing barriers and promoting equality in all areas of life.
To support this work, Toyota UK has provided a vehicle as part of a new community electric van loan programme, which has been launched to assist charity and educational organisations across the UK.
After a local Toyota area manager, whose family has benefitted from the support of Spinal Injuries Scotland got in touch, Vertu Toyota Hamilton – located on Whistleberry Road – was tasked with handing over the all-electric Toyota Proace to the charity.
Over the next two years, the Proace will be used to help deliver vital support services to people living with spinal cord injuries across Scotland.
Michael Clarke, General Manager at Vertu Toyota Hamilton, said: “When we were approached to help with the handover by Toyota UK as part of the new community electric van loan programme, we were delighted to support the initiative.
“We are always keen to help the community in any way we can, and it’s fantastic to get involved with such a worthy cause that will not only benefit the local area, but also support people across Scotland.”
Maureen Morrison, CEO of Spinal Injuries Scotland, said: “The van will help us reach communities across Scotland, ensuring we can deliver our peer support services to everyone who needs them.
“Having reliable transport will allow our team to travel more easily, connect with individuals in remote or rural locations, and respond quickly to emerging needs. It will also enable us to organise and host events throughout the country, strengthening our outreach and making our support more accessible and inclusive for all.”
