Salvation Army Replacement Foodbank Van – Service Clubs Partnership "WHEELS OF HOPE"
Handover Ceremony – January 18th at 11 am, 614 Barnes Ave, Port Elgin.
In a display of community synergy, the Rotary clubs of Port Elgin, Saugeen Shores, and Southampton, together with the Port Elgin and District Lions Club, have joined hands with the Salvation Army for the formal handover of a much-needed replacement Foodbank Van. This collaborative effort not only symbolizes the spirit of unity but also amplifies the impact of service clubs on community welfare.
The clubs jointly donated $32,500 and this was matched dollar for dollar by the Salvation Army to enable the purchase. The vehicle is a 2 year old van Ford Transit Cargo van, sourced by community minded Port Elgin Chrysler.
The replacement van represents not just a mode of transportation but a conduit for hope, illustrating how service clubs and community partnerships can drive meaningful change. This enhanced vehicle will undoubtedly elevate the efficiency of the Salvation Army's food distribution efforts, ensuring that support reaches those in need promptly.
The project was spearheaded by Southampton Rotarian and Food Bank Volunteer John Van Bastelaar who said: “The collaboration between the service clubs and the Salvation Army stands as a testament to the impact that can be achieved when organizations align their goals for the greater good. This venture is more than a van; it's a reflection of a caring community investing in those less fortunate”.
Members of the service clubs were then invited to a “Behind the Scenes” tour of the Foodbank and a talk about the array of services offered by the Salvation Army.
A Look Back: The Earlier Van
Reflecting on the history of community service, the original Foodbank Van, acquired in 2014, was made possible through the combined contributions of the Rotary Clubs of Port Elgin and Southampton, The Rotary Foundation, the Port Elgin and District Lions Club, the SouthPort Optimists, and public donations. With an initial investment of approximately $15,000, this van has been steadfastly serving the community's needs over the past decade.
For further information contact: John Van Bastelaar 519 386 8288.
January 18, 2024
