Further changes are occurring behind the scenes at Vernon’s food banks.
Jean-Curtis Plante and Ray Lamont, who have operated the Salvation Army locally since 2013, have received notice that the international organization is deploying them overseas immediately.
“We have had an incredible experience here,” said Plante.
“The community support has been amazing.”
Plante and Lamont arrived in Vernon at a time when the Salvation Army was undergoing significant financial challenges. Specifically, revenue was not keeping pace with expenditures.
“The need for the food bank kept increasing,” said Plante.
As a result, restructuring occurred, including some long-term staff being laid off.
Plante says the finances have been brought under control and the food bank is stable.
“We now have a warehouse to contain all of the food and the staff costs match revenue. We had our best fundraising year last year,” he said.
Replacements for Plante and Lamont will be announced by the Salvation Army April 29.
“I have no idea who it is but the right people have been found to meet the needs of the community,” said Plante.
The couple have not been told yet where their deployment will be.
“We’ve always had a heart to go back overseas,” said Plante.
Lamont has served in Bangladesh while Plante has worked in Thailand and Russia.
A farewell celebration for Lamont and Plante will be held Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at the Vernon food bank.
