The proprietor of Westco distributors has pledged $5000 to help Bathurst Men's Shed start a mobile food van to feed local homeless people. And he wants other businesses to do the same.

Mr Sherlock said when he read in Tuesday's Western Advocate about plans for the food van ? the brainchild of Bathurst Men's Shed secretary-manager David Buckby ? he wanted to help.

"I'm 60 myself and to see other 60-year-olds sleeping outside under the old bridge is just terrible," he said.

"I had heard about the food van idea at different times and when I saw it in the paper I decided to do something.

"The idea now is to encourage other businesses to stick up $5000 as well. It's not the end of the world for them."

Mr Buckby estimates there are 250 people sleeping rough on the streets of Bathurst each night and he hopes to raise enough money to start a mobile food van before another freezing winter takes hold.

He has set a target of $50,000, but believes even $30,000 might be enough to buy a second-hand van.

He had hoped to find 10 local sponsors willing to contribute $5000 each and is well on his way following the publication of Tuesday's article.

Along with the $5000 from Westco, Mr Buckby also received a call from a local transport operator who wanted to keep his name out of the paper but was willing to throw in $10,000.

"I was really amazed to get $15,000 within 24 hours of that story appearing," Mr Buckby said.

"I'm just hoping there are other businesses out there who can help as well."

Mr Buckby said he received support for his plan from other local charitable organisations, but money remained the greatest stumbling block.

"Other welfare organisations are right behind us but they're all strapped for cash as well. We're all chasing the same welfare dollar," he said

n Anyone able to help Mr Buckby in his search for a van, or any potential sponsors, can call him at Bathurst Men's Shed on 6331 7362 or 0414 768 160.