As the COVID-19 pandemic escalates, it’s harder for truckers to be behind the wheel as facilities and restaurants close. In Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, The Salvation Army is working with the provincial government, and in partnership with Marine Atlantic, to provide meals to those transporting goods and materials to or from the ferry crossing.

“Hot meals are prepared at our newly upgraded commercial kitchen,” says Lieut. Maurice Collins, ministry unit leader. “Then they are transported to the visitors centre parking lot on the outskirts of town for distribution.”
“We’ve learned that some truckers were eating little to nothing at all”
At the distribution site, a generator is used to operate a microwave that ensures meals are warm when given to the truckers. “It’s still pretty cold here,” says Collins. Every day, volunteers gather to cook meals that to date have been roast beef, turkey and ham dinners.

“We want to give the truckers a hearty meal,” continues Collins. “We’ve learned that some truckers were eating little to nothing at all.”

“We will be up and running every day until the restrictions in Newfoundland are lifted”

With social distancing measures and personal protective equipment in place, the meals are hand delivered to each and every truck. Drivers don’t have to get out. They feel safe and the volunteers feel safe.

“We want to take church outside our walls and help keep drivers on the road,” says Collins. “We will be up and running every day until the restrictions in Newfoundland are lifted. That could be months.”


The Salvation Army continues to provide its essential services to the vulnerable during COVID-19. For more information or to donate visit SalvationArmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

Letter from the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador 

Letter from the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador: Dear Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Vincent, I write to express my sincere appreciation to the Newfoundland and Labrador Division of The Salvation Army as you continue to serve the people of our province during this coronavirus pandemic. I write especially to ask that you convey my heartfelt thanks to those who continue to serve on the front lines doing what comes naturally for The Salvation Army, putting the welfare of others first. Their concern for others, while always obvious, is especially evident now during COVID-19. The outpouring of support that included a hot meal in Port aux Basques for truckers who continue to work during this difficult time, was heartwarming and appreciated. Thank you for continuing to provide support to those who need the comfort of knowing that, despite what is happening in our world, and in particular close to home, the normalcy that comes with a continued presence of The Salvation Army has not changed. Your presence is reassuring and provides peach of mind. We are reminded daily by health officials of the necessity of practicing good hygiene, including washing our hands well and often, practicing physical distancing and staying at home, measures intended to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. It is imperative we recognize the mental toll, as well as the physical toll, this pandemic can take on all of us, especially on those who are required on the front lines doing what comes naturally, protecting and caring for others. These are trying times as the world grapples with COVID-19. Leaders everywhere are being asked to make difficult decisions to ensue the safety of everyone. These decisions weigh heavily on those leaders and I know the same is true for the leadership of The Salvation Army. We will get through this together with God’s help, because that is what we do. As you continue to make a difference in our corner of the world, on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, I am extremely grateful. You lead by example. Sincerely, Judy M. Foote P.C., O.N.L.




Leave a Comment