A community crime prevention group is now operating with a new vehicle thanks to a generous donation.

A 12-passenger van was given to the Bear Clan Patrol by Anita Munn and Darrell Manuliak of Mini Homes of Manitoba.

James Favel, executive director of the Bear Clan Patrol, says it couldn't be better timed.

"We had access to a 16-passenger van last winter and it was very helpful to us. We don't have access to it any longer and so this is going to help us immensely. I've been driving around in my personal pickup truck, doing everything that Bear Clan needs done: hauling people, hauling produce, hauling donations, things like that, and my truck was on its last legs."

The van comes after a challenge was issued by Erin Crampton of Crampton's Market. Favel says Crampton saw the state of his truck and put a call out for a vehicle donation, declaring she'd donate the weight of the vehicle in food.

Favel says they're planning on using the van five or six nights a week.

"When we first started we were twelve members sitting around a boardroom table on Selkirk Avenue. Last June we were 100 volunteers. Currently we sit at over 800 volunteers here in Winnipeg."