CHARITY CLOTHING DRIVE MADE EASY WITH FUSO CANTER FLEET

Fuso Canter Trucks Diabetes Victoria's Donation Drive

A Victorian charity is using a fleet of Fuso Canter trucks to collect millions of donations every year to raise money for diabetes research, children’s camps and support services. Diabetes Victoria is a not-for-profit organisation that works to support people with all types of diabetes. It raises money through donations of clothing and small household items to fund independent research into diabetes management, as well as working toward the ultimate aim of finding a cure.

A Sustainable Partnership with Savers

The organisation has a long relationship with recycling company Savers, which purchases all the used clothing collected by Diabetes Victoria and sells it through their six Melbourne stores in Brunswick, Footscray, Fountain Gate, Greensborough, Ringwood and Moorabbin.

Efficient Fleet Operations with Fuso Canters

To streamline the donation collection process, Diabetes Victoria operates nine Fuso Canter 615 trucks, leased through Hertz franchise holder Australian Truck & 4WD Rentals Pty Ltd.

The current-model Canters are fitted with:

• Duonic dual-clutch automated transmissions
• Reversing cameras for enhanced safety
• Car-like steering and independent front suspension for smooth handling

This fleet enables a lean and efficient collection model designed to maximise fundraising potential.

Daily Collection on a Citywide Scale

Donations are collected via bookings made through the 1300 256 844 hotline, with residents across Melbourne arranging pick-ups for clothing and small household goods.

In addition, the fleet services a wide range of permanent donation bins located at:

• Pre-schools, kindergardens and primary schools
• Participating apartment complexes

"Each truck does between 40 and 70 pick-ups per day, delivering to our Campbellfield warehouse or to the six Savers stores," says Diabetes Victoria Chief Executive Officer, Craig Bennett.

Giving Clothing a Second Life

Savers staff sort the donated goods into items which are saleable in their Australian stores. Items that don’t make the grade or remain unsold are baled and shipped overseas, where they find another life as sought after items in developing countries.

Diabetes Victoria has leased trucks through Hertz for 17 years. "We have a great relationship with Hertz," Mr Bennett says. "When a truck needs to be serviced, Hertz offers a temporary replacement truck to keep us going. As a charitable organisation, not having to buy trucks outright really suits the Diabetes Victoria business model."

Why the Canter is the Ideal Choice

The Fuso Canter is perfectly suited to Diabetes Victoria's urban delivery demands, thank to its:

• Class-leading tare weight
• Automated transmission
• Exceptional manoeuvrability

Together, these features make it easier for drivers to navigate busy Melbourne streets and efficiently complete high-volume collection runs every day.