Independent logistics businesses Elddis Transport, Fagan & Whalley and supply chain software specialist Access Group, have joined forces to support international development organisation, Transaid, and its successful bicycle ambulance initiative in Zambia.
The firms were among many benefactors at the UKWA Awards who combined to pledge support for more than 24 bicycle ambulances.
Transaid’s Emergency Transport Scheme is an essential lifeline for thousands of women, children and men in rural communities in Africa, helping them to reach vital health services when they are in need.
Since its launch in July 2013, in Nigeria alone, more than 16,500 pregnant women in labour and maternal emergencies have been successfully transported to a health facility.
According to The World Bank, around 75% of maternal deaths could be avoided through timely access to vital childbirth-related care.
Commenting on the charity sponsorship, Rob Hodgson, WMS consultant for Access Group’s supply chain services, said:
“Working with two of our customers, we’re really pleased to be able to support Transaid and its excellent work which makes such a difference in rural African communities. This is one cheque we had a great deal of pleasure in signing.”
Florence Bearman, head of fundraising at Transaid, added:
“We were absolutely amazed by the generosity shown by Access Group and other guests at the UKWA Awards. With their help, we are now able to introduce 24 additional bicycle ambulances to our fleet. These will make a huge difference to communities in Zambia, for whom this is the only way to reach life-saving medical care in an emergency.”
Transaid was founded by Save the Children, The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), and its Patron, HRH The Princess Royal.
To find out more about Transaid or make a donation, go to http://www.transaid.org. To learn more about Access Group’s supply chain and warehousing services, head to the website.