Captain Sal - the bus supporting the local community in need

A new Salvation Army Regional Support Vehicle that will help deliver much needed support to people throughout the Shire of Glenelg hit hard by the COVID19 crisis, will be known as Captain Sal.

The name, put forward by six-year-old William Kinsella from Heywood Consolidated School, was chosen as the winner from a field of over 140 entries from local primary school students across the district.

Preparations to make Captain Sal ready for service have been underway since mid-August, with her debut run likely to be just in time for Christmas.

Congratulations to six-year-old William Kinsella from Heywood Consolidated School who named the new bus "Captain Sal"

The bus was purchased with funds and support provided through Portland Aluminium’s Alcoa Foundation.

The Salvation Army’s Head of Public Relations, Major Bruce Harmer, said that the competition had been well supported by local schools and choosing a winner was no easy feat.

“With so many wonderful and creative submissions, it was a real challenge to narrow down the finalist. However, we felt Captain Sal would add persona to the bus and resonate with local community members, reminding them that the Salvos are here to help. Well done William.” said Major Harmer.

For his efforts, both William and Heywood Consolidated School will receive a visit from Captain Sal along with a certificate and prize.

Portland Aluminium’s Plant Manager Ron Jorgensen said there had been a strong community response to the addition of the bus to existing services offered by the local branch of the Salvation Army.

“The community and local businesses have really embraced the concept of Captain Sal the bus and what it represents – a physical connector of the community,” said Ron.

Over the last three months through the additional funding provided by the Alcoa Foundation, the Salvos have already distributed more than 150 food hampers and supported more than 360 people across the Portland and the Glenelg Shire.

Local community members seeking support should contact The Salvation Army Portland on  (03) 5523 3749 during business hours for further information.