Thanks to a $50,000 contribution from the Estate of Donna Vera Evans Bushell as well as silent donors, the Salvation Army St. Thomas has purchased their first ‘Mobile Canteen’ vehicle.
Serving St. Thomas and Elgin County, the new specially-equipped vehicle will provide support to first responders during emergencies and disasters, as well as outreach for homeless and marginalized individuals.
While the Salvation Army owns and operates Mobile Canteens in many other communities, this vehicle will be the first one purchased specifically to serve St. Thomas and Elgin County
“The Salvation Army St. Thomas has been serving this community for over 135 years,” remarked Captain Nyree Bond. “We continue to seek innovative ways to offer help to those in need. We are grateful for the generous donation from the Estate of Donna Bushell, which became the impetus for this new program to purchase a mobile canteen to provide food security to our vulnerable population, as well as support our first responders and others in times of emergency.
With additional funding received by silent donors, we are thrilled that we can make this dream possible and partner in this way. This new program with a dedicated vehicle will allow us to mobilize to share hope wherever there is hardship and continue to build strength in our community.”
The vehicle is expected to arrive and be in-use by spring 2021.
This is the latest donation from the Estate of Donna Vera Evans Bushell, with more than $2.5M having been allocated from the Estate to date in support of a series of exciting projects in Elgin County and St. Thomas.
