The Salvation Army unveiled its new services van in Yellowknife today which they say will help volunteers to better respond to families in need.
The vehicle was graciously donated by Food Banks Canada, Walmart Canada and Aurora Chrysler on September 9, the customized Dodge Ram Transit 1500 cargo van will serve many functions for the Salvation Army team as they answer calls from local authorities in emergencies.
Cadet Jason Brinson from the Salvation Army says the Dodge Ram is a great addition and would like to say thank-you to the local business community for their support of such a valuable organization.
“We’re here today to recognize the partners that we have in the community who contributed to the donation of this van that we have,” Cadet Brinson said. “Thank-you Food Banks Canada, Walmart, and the Aurora Chrysler.”
Brinson says the donation of the van increases their capacity to be able to help those in the community who are in need.
“This van, in particular, helps us to be able to do food pickups and various other tasks that are required for us to be able to carry out our mission to serve others in our community,” Cadet Brinson said. “We want to acknowledge our community partners because it allows us to do what we do and this wouldn’t be possible without our community partners support.”
Daniel Ireland is the General Sales Manager for Aurora Chrysler.
“I would just like to just say thanks for actually getting us involved in a project like this,” Ireland said. “But as we all know, community relations is our most important thing and it helps our community of Yellowknife.”
Ireland says that Aurora Chrysler is always willing to help and will always step up to the plate and help where they can.
Terry Andre is the Walmart Store Manager in Yellowknife and was in attendance on Monday to bring greetings from her store.
“Walmart has a really strong relationship with the Salvation Army,” Andre said. “We will continue to always support our local community and we will continue to make sure this happens. Absolutely, it was a pleasure to be a part of this.”
Major Margaret McLeod, who is the Divisional Commander/Divisional Director fo Woman’s Ministry of the Salvation Army, also made the trek North of 60 for this special moment.
“It’s a pleasure to be here this morning because it’s one of those opportunities that I get to participate in partnering and local communities,” Major McLeod said. “The Salvation Army is fortunate to be partnering here in Yellowknife, with Aurora and with Walmart and with food banks. But across Canada, we see similar partnerships with similar agencies. And so for me, it’s just a thrill to be able to be here from Edmonton to participate in something like this. So thank you.”
The Salvation Army hopes to fill this van with donations for the local food drive which will happen in the near future.
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