Likened to the christening of a new ship, Powell River Salvation Army officially introduced its new van to the community on Thursday, January 26 while thanking those who helped make its purchase possible.
The van has been in Powell River and being used by the Army since late November 2011, but it only recently was outfitted with wraparound decals that highlight the businesses who made contributions toward its purchase. Salvation Army Captain Rick Robins said six main businesses donated the majority of the funds, with a few other businesses and organizations helping out as well.
At a small reception Rick and his wife and fellow Captain Jennifer Robins presented plaques and small gifts to the main sponsors of the van: Save-On-Foods, Catalyst Paper Corporation, First Credit Union, BMO Financial Group and Powell River Regional District. The Salvation Army raised a total of $58,095.72 in about a year for the van.
“We’re better equipped to carry on the practical and compassionate work that the Salvation Army has been known for in Powell River ever since 1956,” said Jennifer at the presentation. “We thank you for helping to support us to support others.”
The decals on the van feature the words “faith,” “hope” and “dignity” in five different languages. The concept makes for an interesting design, but Rick said it will also mean that people of other languages will be able to understand the spirit the Salvation Army represents. The Salvation Army insignia on the van is reflective, so the van will be easy to spot at night.
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van will replace the 1986 Chevrolet that the Salvation Army purchased used, although only gently so, in 1986 for $6,500. Part of the money that went to purchasing that van came from the community as well. Rick said they have nursed the van over the years and that it is only because of the automotive abilities of volunteers that the van lasted this long.
Rick said it’s somewhat sad to see the old van go but it has become troublesome with needed repairs. Rick and Jennifer considered giving the old van an official retirement for a laugh but ultimately chose against it.
The new van is the first Mercedes owned by a Salvation Army in Canada, but Rick said they are one of the few companies to still produce a sprinter-style van. They will take as good a care of it as they did the Chevrolet, and will probably get 20 years of service out of it at least. The van has many modern features to make life easier for the volunteers who make deliveries and pickups for the Army.
“It’s a real blessing to be able to have a vehicle donated by the community, for the community, so that we can work in the community,” said Rick. “It makes you feel that what you’re doing is the right thing.”
