Northern Fort Smith Store Manager Kevin MacDonald (left) is thankful for Reverend Pryor’s pivotal assistance to keep up with the quickly evolving situation.

The prompt generosity of a community member has made the Northern store in Fort Smith, NT of the very first retailers in the North to implement a grocery delivery service to help get necessities to vulnerable residents.

When Reverend Pryor – a rector of the local St. John's Anglican Church – first heard about the needs of elders and seniors for groceries amid the COVID-19 crisis, he decided to take immediate action. Pryor quickly approached Northern Fort Smith Store Manager Kevin MacDonald to pitch his idea of a delivery service for those who are vulnerable and isolated in the community.

The store was interested, but had limited staff availability to carry out this important initiative. So Pryor himself stepped up and volunteered to be the first driver. Since then, six more volunteers have signed up to keep this service running smoothly, as demand is expected to increase significantly soon.

Social distancing has become a key measure in limiting the spread of COVID-19 and the initiative that Reverend Pryor presented was at a perfect timing, aligning with the store’s efforts, MacDonald explains.

“As a member of the community, I have a duty to support this demographic in any way that I can,” he says. “Fort Smith has embraced me and my family.  This is our home. It is times such as these, when we can prove to the community that we can be trusted and truly show a commitment to providing the best service possible.”

MacDonald also shares his motivation and strategies to make this essential delivery service available as soon as possible.

“As we adjust daily with the situation, I am ever conscious of the potential that this service may become in high demand.  Being ‘laser-specific’ in tasking with a clear focus on filling these orders as priority has been key so far.”