If you think you’ve just spotted Santa’s trusty reindeer whizzing down your street with a big box behind them, you didn’t add too much sherry to the mince pies – it’s true. Two low-carbon delivery companies, Ecargobikes.com and Zedify, are delivering festive joy across the UK this Christmas.
Award-winning electric bike courier company E-cargobikes.com has been going the extra mile to bring good cheer to people in their community, and on Christmas Day antler-wearing riders will deliver meals for isolated and vulnerable people in Hammersmith and Fulham who would normally attend a community Christmas dinner.
E-cargobikes.com, recognised with an Ashden Award in 2020, is a zero carbon and community-focused ‘last mile’ e-cargo delivery company serving the Hammersmith & Fulham area.
The company is fielding 12 riders on Christmas Day to help deliver over 460 meals as well as gifts for isolated and vulnerable people in Hammersmith and Fulham. Many of those receiving the parcels would normally attend Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s Christmas meal, which had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus lockdown.
The meals are funded by local community organisation United Hammersmith and prepared by The Smile Brigade. Riders will even sport reindeer antlers on their bike helmets to bring a smile to people as they cycle across the borough.
Clare Elwes, co-founder of E-cargobikes.com said: “This year of all years we are very happy to be able to help serve the more vulnerable and isolated in our community. I am so proud that so many of our riders were very quick to offer to work on Christmas Day. We help The Smile Brigade deliver hot meals throughout the week and our riders see first-hand what a difference this makes to people.
“Hammersmith and Fulham council have been very proactive in prioritising air quality and supporting zero emission solutions and this is a perfect example of how local government, local business and the charitable sector can work together in the best interest of their community at such a difficult time.”
Zedify bring Christmas magic
Another e-cargobike company Zedify – a 2019 Ashden Award finalist – has taken on the role of Santa’s elves – making Christmas magic happen in the 10 regions around the UK that it operates.
In Brighton, Zedify have repurposed a council library book delivery contract as a food bank delivery contract. In London, Lambeth Council have used Zedify’s software free of charge to empower their army of volunteers to deliver food packages to vulnerable people within the borough – with over 15,000 packages delivered so far. They’ve also been working with Hackney New School within the capital, to deliver free school meal-equivalents to self-isolating students.
In Southampton Zedify helped a local art space God’s House Tower which opened just before lockdown to keep the local community connecting with its artists by delivering from their gift shop to people in their homes.
In Glasgow Zedify have helped a new neighbourhood bakery Hundredth Monkey, which sprung up during lockdown, grow their business from nearby customers and to cafes across the city. And in Norwich Zedify work with Farm Share delivering directly to people in their homes as the farm shop had to close during lockdown.
Rob King, CEO of Zedify said: “We’ve been very busy in the run up to Christmas helping local businesses and charities deliver goods. It’s been an absolute honour using our zero emission delivery hubs to help during the pandemic.
“Sometimes, a basic need for sustenance, provided by a nearby shop, market or café, or a contribution into a local charity, becomes more than a movement of stuff – it’s a connection that is vitally needed in the midst of a very challenging year.”
Harriet Lamb, CEO of Ashden said: “We know that Santa, being such a kind-hearted fellow, will have been thinking about his carbon footprint all year. And what a brilliant solution he’s come up with – zero carbon deliveries!
“Local councils are realising the advantages of working with these low carbon, community focused companies too. Delivery by two – or three wheels if it’s a e-cargo trike – is definitely the best option in dense urban areas.
“E-cargobikes.com and Zedify are impressive low carbon businesses, with engaged teams who bring benefits to local communities. Now they’re delivering the spirit of Christmas when it’s needed most.”
