from within the UK transport and logistics industry yesterday (29 October 2009) for a celebratory buffet lunch and presentation. The event, hosted by Barclays in Canary Wharf, was held to recognise the input that industry volunteers have given to the Transaid Professional Driver Training Project in Zambia.
Guests heard from several professional volunteers who have been seconded to the project over the past year, including John Cook, sponsored by Norbert Dentressangle, Nigel Williams, Training Instructor for Michelin and Jon Aspden, Regional Driver Trainer for Bibby Distribution. Each spoke of their personal experience of Zambia and how they contributed to the project, in addition to how much they learned while on their placement.
Wendy Vaughan, HR Services Director and Gavin Williams, General Contract Manager, both from Wincanton, also spoke of their participation in the Transaid Cycle Zambia Challenge and their efforts to raise over £30,000 of vital funds towards the project.
Over 20 volunteers attended the event and were thanked by HRH The Princess Royal,for their outstanding efforts. The industry was also praised for its ability to come together as a positive force to share UK industry best practice globally for the benefit of countries which are not so economically developed. Transaid Chairman, John Harvey, also added a note of thanks to all the volunteers and the Transaid consortium of supporting companies.
Chris Saunders, Transaid's Chief Executive says: "Transaid professional volunteers are the lifeblood of our organisation and really do add huge value to what we are able to achieve in Africa and across the developing world to make transport safer, cleaner and more efficient. Many return from their secondment with a heightened sense of urgency of the need to support what we are doing further, and become key ambassadors for Transaid within their companies."
After presenting, all speakers and other guests had the opportunity to meet with HRH The Princess Royal and enjoy a buffet lunch with stunning views over London from the top of the Barclays tower.
Transaid also used the opportunity to launch its new short film of the Professional Driver Training Project which emphasises the need for much greater investment in HGV driver training and safety to overcome the huge shortage of skilled and well qualified drivers in the region.
To find our more or to make a donation please visit www.transaid.org