August 14, 2020
Extra support for struggling communities now available
People in Portland and surrounding communities struggling with the financial and social impacts of COVID-19 have been thrown a lifeline with the announcement of a new partnership between The Salvation Army and Portland Aluminium.
Portland Aluminium has secured more than $70,000 in funding from the Alcoa Foundation, the global charitable arm of Portland’s parent company Alcoa.
The funds will allow the Salvation Army to provide an immediate response to those impacted by COVID-19 along with on-going emergency support and social services to Portland, Heywood, Casterton, Merino, Dartmoor and Nelson.
Lieutenant Peter Stamp from The Salvation Army Portland explained that many people in local communities have limited access to support services, often having to travel in times of need, a situation compounded by COVID-19.
“This project will allow The Salvation Army to not only increase the support available immediately but also work with agencies to develop a mobile service that can deliver much needed social, health, food and essential services through the purchase and transformation of a city bus into a regional support vehicle”.
Portland Aluminium’s Plant Manager Ron Jorgensen said the funding couldn’t have come at a better time for members of the local community experiencing hardship.
“We recognise the significant community need that has arisen as a result of COVID19. We are delighted to work with The Salvation Army over the next year to support the people of Portland and surrounding communities who find themselves in need as a result of the crisis.”
The Salvation Army’s Head of Public Relations Australia Major Bruce Harmer said, “This outstanding partnership between the Alcoa Foundation and The Salvation Army will provide practical and timely support for communities experiencing the very real and devastating flow on impact of COVID19. Many communities have been impacted by COVID19 for months now and we are grateful that with the amazing support of Portland Aluminium we will soon be increasing our services available to the communities of the Glenelg Shire”.
Local community members in need of support can contact The Portland Salvation Army on (03)5523 3749 between 9.30am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday for further information.
Issued by:
Peter Nugent
Senior Media Adviser
The Salvation Army Australia
Email: peter.nugent@salvationarmy.org.au
Mobile: 0407 216