It’s been just over a year since our National Retail Sales Manager, Freddie, and Marketing Executive, Cian, visited our friends at Legacy Youth Zone in Croydon following the help and part-funding we provided for the acquisition of their brand new Mercedes Vito minibus, known to their members as the ‘Green Machine’.

In the time since the minibus was delivered, it has been out on the road providing essential transport for Legacy members, taking them on residential trips, to events, sports tournaments as well as transporting goods and materials for the multitude of activities offered by the Youth Zone.

Recently we caught up with Barnabas, Chief Executive at Legacy, and Chantelle, Communications & Digital Fundraising Manager, to find out how their new minibus has opened up the door to new opportunities for young people at Legacy.

Barnabas Shelbourne, Chief Executive at Legacy, comments:

“The Minibus has been an invaluable addition to Legacy in ways that we wouldn’t have anticipated as it’s not only allowed us to transport young people to a variety of places, it’s been a great way to promote all the opportunities at the Youth Zone. An enormous thank you from all the Legacy team to Mistral Group for this wonderful gift that just keeps on giving!!”

Take a look at a few of the journeys which the Green Machine has been on so far:

• Legacy’s choir performed for the National Lottery Big Bash at Wembley Arena, which will be airing on ITV on New Year’s Eve.
• Junior and holiday club teams have been transported to local football tournaments.
• Five junior members visited Frylands Woods for their first camping trip which spanned across 2 days.
• A gazebo and materials were transported for a Legacy stand at Playfest summer fair in New Addington, attended by the Youth Zone’s holiday club members.
• CEO Barnabas Shelbourne was taken to South Wales to kick start his Pan Celtic Bike Ride in July, which saw him cycle over 850 miles to raise awareness and funding for Legacy Youth Zone.
• Food donations were collected from Asda and Waitrose for Legacy’s Christmas Dinner.

Some members of Legacy’s girls football team can be seen in the image above before heading out on a trip in the Green Machine.

Mistral’s Managing Director, Steve Low, adds:

“We’re delighted to support OnSide, it’s a fantastic organisation that provides opportunities for young people across the country. This year we have decided to not send Christmas gifts and cards to our customers, instead opting to give that money to OnSide where it can further support their work in local communities.”