Burnt Tree Vehicle Rental’s East London depot is launching a new initiative following their relocation from South Ockenden to Purfleet.

The new initiative is called Van Aid and the aim is to raise at least £4,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Vic Payne, branch manager, said: “We have donated a Vauxhall Vivaro from our fleet of vehicles to raise money for Van Aid.

“We are offering local companies the opportunity to advertise on the van for the duration of 2012 for just £50.

“The money we raise from this will all be donated to Macmillan. The aim is to totally cover the van with logos, so we can raise as much money for Macmillan, which is a charity that all the staff at the branch are proud to be supporting”.

Janos Toth, area fundraising manager for Macmillan, said: “We are looking forward to working with Burnt Tree Vehicle Rental East London and are grateful that the staff have chosen to support Macmillan.

“Van Aid is a unique fundraising idea that will also help to raise cancer awareness in the local area.

“Macmillan works to improve the lives of people affected by cancer, providing emotional, practical, medical and financial support. This includes Macmillan nurses, counselling, grants to help with the additional costs that cancer can bring and someone to talk to. 96% of our income comes from fundraising and donations, so we really appreciate the support of Burnt Tree and their staff.”

The special van will be used by the branch to attend local events and also will be driven around the London area throughout the year. At every opportunity the van will be used to display and promote the companies that sponsor it.