Library of equipment used by charities gets new home thanks to local businesses

A caretaker is celebrating after the library of charity equipment he looks after was given a bigger home with help from Hull businesses.

Retired serviceman Keith Parker, has carefully managed HEY Smile Foundation’s Hull Vault at Armadillo Storage, in Spyvee Street for seven years, but as stocks have grown so has Keith’s need for a new home.

The Hull Vault contains important equipment used to help charities raise and save money.

Instead of cramming everything from giant Jenga to chairs, tables and audio equipment into 232 square feet, Keith will now have the luxury of 980 square feet, accessible just off Hull’s A63.

Corporate partner Umber Creative has agreed to rent the new space to Smile at a reduced rate making the move possible.

Kevin Wilkie, Creative Director of Umber Creative said: “Umber Creative has a long history of working within the charitable and not-for-profit arena and letting this space to The Vault it feels like a really good fit. We have supported Smile for a number of years, it is a bit of a no-brainer because you can be sure that what you give filters through to people and charities that need it most.”

The move was made possible by a team of volunteers from Balfour Beatty, who decorated the new home and made it ready by fitting racking as well as providing the muscle to move the gear.

Michaela Maunders, Customer Lead at the company said: “At Balfour Beatty, we always go above and beyond to engage with the local communities in which we operate. We’re delighted to have supported HEY Smile Foundation in transforming The Vault’s new home, which we hope will aid their journey to improve lives in the region of Hull.”

John Colley, from Armadillo Storage, said: “The Vault will be sorely missed, but we have been very glad to offer them space for free, and then at a charitable rate for very nearly ten years. Smile is a fantastic charity that has a can-do attitude which is brilliant.”

For the full story, and to find out about other East Riding Vaults, click here.