Celebrations held to mark first birthday of Stuff on the Bus

One of The Salvation Army’s newest community stores marked its first birthday recently, and there were plenty of reasons to celebrate. 
 

Over the past year, Stuff on the Bus - a mobile supermarket on board a double decker bus - has made a real difference to the community on Canvey Island. Customers are able to get subsidised food and groceries on the bottom deck, whilst having access to other services and support such as Employment Plus, a service run by The Salvation Army to help people become job ready, upstairs. 

Since the launch, over 300 members have signed up and it’s estimated that over 1000 residents have been supported.

The team marked their first birthday with an afternoon of carnival fun at The Salvation Army family hub on Mitchells Avenue, Canvey Island, where more than 40 families joined them to play games, eat candy floss and celebrate.

Holly Alberici, Pioneer Leader, said she is delighted that the service is having such a significant impact. 

She commented: “Members are making an average saving of around 35 per cent on each shop with us, whilst being able to access fresh, high-quality products such as fruit and vegetables from a local greengrocer. The end of year feedback, provided by members, has highlighted the difference this operation has made to them, with some calling it a lifeline.

“We have an incredible sense of community in and around the bus, our members are so supportive. Even those who are struggling will regularly round up payments in order to donate something and give back. 
 

“One story we’ll never forget is, whilst supporting one of our members through a family issue, they said that before they’d come to us, they knew nothing of who we were or what we did but something told them we could help. 

“Once we’d supported this member and their family, they said how they’d never believed in a god until now. That story really underlines why we are here, how the Salvation Army and God were able to have such an effect on someone’s life who may never have otherwise connected with us.”

Stuff on the Bus is quickly expanding, with a new stop having been introduced at Lubbins Car Park on a Tuesday. 
 

Stuff on the Bus are also supporting Hadleigh Farm Estate’s ‘Tins and Toys Appeal’, asking for new, unwrapped toys as well as any type of tins to support children and families at Christmas. 

For more information on Stuff on the Bus or the Appeal, please visit their Facebook page ‘The Salvation Army Canvey Island’.