The Hungarian Reformed Church Aid (HRCA) established a new logistics centre in Ebes, a city in Eastern-Hungary, near Debrecen, which was officially opened on 4 September. As part of a large investment worth of 650 Million HUF (around 2 Million EUR), a countrywide network of depots was also established for the coordination of in kind donations. In addition working tools and equipment, vehicles and a special software were also purchased. The new site offers job opportunities for people with disabilities.
The 1000 m2 warehouse will serve as the national logistics centre of HRCA. The 700 square metre loading area will be equipped with a three-level shelving system to store donations like non-perishing food, hygiene products and all in-kind donations made by private companies, congregations and schools. Shipments of foreign donors, including especially Dutch partner organisations will be stored also in the new centre. The warehouse has a heated hall area, offices and changing rooms, as well, just like a hall for selection and packing of the different items. In the latter HRCA will employ people with disabilities as part of its rehabilitation program. In addition, the equipment of the Research and Rescue Team of the Charity Foundation will also be stored here.
"Our basic principle is to offer quality donations to all those in need, not to humiliate anyone with a food donation that we would not eat or clothes that we would not like to wear ourselves," emphasized Managing Director Márton Juhász. As he said, the warehouse building handed over on 4 September contributes greatly to the logistics of quality donations. "I believe that in the decades ahead, we will be able to give hope to our hundreds of thousands of fellow human beings in need with the love of action through the donations stored here." Due to its proximity to the border, the logistics centre also serves as a basis for assistance to the Hungarian communities in Transylvania, Romania and Transcarpathia, Ukraine.
The investment was realized within the framework of the Széchenyi 2020 Human Human Resource Development Operational Programme, an EU funded development program. Thanks to a succesfull project application HRCA received a 650 Million HUF grant financed by the European Union and the Hungarian Government. As part of the project another 200 m 2 logistics centre was also established in Gelénes. In addition, donation coordination points were established in three other settlements, Pécs, Szentes and Alsóörs. Beside the construction of the sites, machinery, IT equipment and four vehicles suitable for both passenger and cargo transport were purchased.
The investment was realized within the framework of the Széchenyi 2020 Human Human Resource Development Operational Programme, an EU funded development program. Thanks to a succesfull project application HRCA received a 650 Million HUF grant financed by the European Union and the Hungarian Government. As part of the project another 200 m 2 logistics centre was also established in Gelénes. In addition, donation coordination points were established in three other settlements, Pécs, Szentes and Alsóörs. Beside the construction of the sites, machinery, IT equipment and four vehicles suitable for both passenger and cargo transport were purchased.
One of the vehicles was converted into a Fairy-tale bus. It will provide development opportunities for children living in disadvantaged areas. In addition to the above, two software specifically developed for the needs of HRCA will increase operational efficiency: one is designed for donation coordination and inventory management, the other will support project and document management registration.