Samaritans charity posters to soften white van man image
Date: 09 January 2008
A new scheme to put charity posters on white vans, such as those driven by couriers and owner drivers, may help to alter the image of the white van man.
Although white van men are sometimes unfairly described as pushy and aggressive drivers in the press, in Swindon the Samaritans charity wants to help soften their image.
Stickers, paid for by the Samaritans, are put on the side of white vans (such as those used by courier drivers), thereby raising awareness of the charity.
Decorator Colin Fitzgerald was the first to volunteer for the scheme. He told ThisisWiltshire.co.uk: "It seemed like a great idea and I'm all for helping out a good cause.
"It doesn't do me any harm but I guess it shows I care - hopefully it'll catch on with other white van men."
Martin Forbes of the Samaritans added: "We never thought of it as cleaning up the stereotypical image of the website van man but I guess it does.
"Another idea we though of was to put leaflets under the wipers of parked vans telling them about the scheme. You never know, they may be so happy they haven't got a parking ticket that they'll give it a go."
The Samaritans provide emotional support for people in distress, mainly through a telephone helpline.
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