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Salvation Army van destroyed
4/7/2008 at 9:56 AM
By SUN MEDIA (Winnipeg Sun, April 7th)
PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE - The local Salvation Army is without wheels after callous car thieves destroyed its van.
The Portage la Prairie citadel's 15-passenger van was stolen March 24 and later found abandoned in a ditch on Road 36 West, eight kilometres south of the city. Its ignition had been damaged.
Police said there are no suspects at this point and the incident is under investigation. Portage RCMP were not able to confirm whether the vehicle was driven into the ditch or rolled.
Capt. B.J. Loder of the Salvation Army said the vehicle had to be written off. Until it is able to replace the vehicle, the charitable organization, which runs the city's food bank, is using a van donated by a local car dealership.
APPRECIATE DONATIONS
Loder said the van was used for many Salvation Army programs, including food bank pickups, and the organization will need to replace it. However, the cost is estimated at about $20,000 and the organization only expects to receive about $3,000 from Manitoba Public Insurance.
Loder said the Salvation Army would appreciate any donations to help it purchase a used 15-passenger van or a minivan. Anyone interested in donating can call the Portage citadel at 204-239-7213.