The Salvation Army is asking the town for funding for a new Community Response Unit.
Lieutenant Scott Allen made the pitch at Tuesday’s council meeting. The current vehicle is coming to the end of its life.
The unit serves over 100 people in need within the community with hot meals and drinks in the summer time. In the winter, Allen says he still serves nearly 60 people in need.
“There are two significant programs operated through this Community Response Unit. The first is to provide support services to First Responders in disaster and emergency situations such as wildfires and weather-related emergencies while caring for those displaced. Such situations call for a vehicle that is reliable, meeting today’s standards and needs,” Lt. Allen said at the meeting.
“The second significant program being cared for through this vehicle is to provide community outreach at local events and to provide community members with hot meals on a weekly basis. In fact, as many as 100 community members are served from this vehicle each week,” he added.
Lt. Allen requested $15,000 from the Town of Parry Sound and left an open amount to Seguin and McDougall Townships to contribute.
The current unit is a Winnebago-style van. The new van proposed has stand-up capabilities and is equipped with a serving window. The total amount The Salvation Army is looking for is $130,000 for a new unit.
Council motioned to add The Salvation Army’s request to the 2019 budget where details may be addressed at the next council meeting on December 18th.
