A Glasgow charity forced to buy a new, LEZ-compliant car launched a fundraiser to ask for help.

Emmaus Glasgow, which helps homeless and vulnerable people in the city set up a fundraising page to get money for a replacement van that complies with the city’s low emission zone regulations.

The charity relies on a fleet of ageing vans for its social enterprise operation in Hamiltonhill, as well as food collections, city centre soup kitchens, supporting local food banks and community outreach, as well as support for homeless people.

However, they were faced with £85 fines every time they went into the city centre when the LEZ rules were implemented in June.

To get support, they set up a gofundme page, aiming to raise £10,000 for the new vehicle.

So far, over £5,000 has been donated, £2,000 of which came from Possilpark-based Allied Vehicles' charity trust.

Glasgow Times:

It read: "As with the people we support we have been managing through difficult times through Covid (where we had to close our shops) and now spiralling increases in costs such as our heating bill for our main accommodation and offices went up by an additional £40,000 this year.

"Food costs, diesel and running costs have also significantly increased. "

Richard Allwood, CEO of Emmaus Glasgow, said: “We’re over the moon, this money really helps us towards our goal and getting a new van. I’m so pleased.

“Emmaus is a homeless charity with a difference. We don't just give people a bed for the night, we offer a home and meaningful work, training and a sense of belonging.

“We offer supported accommodation for 27 people who have experienced homelessness.

“We also provide two, weekly evening soup kitchens, support many city-wide food banks and provide free furniture to those most in need in the city.”

In the fundraiser, the charity they are struggling financially as a result of price increases.

To donate, visit here.