Scotiabank Junior Calypso Monarch Summa ‘Summa’ Sargeant makes the first official donation under the watchful eye of Scotiabank Director of Finance Colleen Cyrus (left), while Salvation Army Divisional Commander Major Sinous Theodore; and Chairman of the Salvation Army’s Advisory Board, Paul Bernstein look on.
Kettle appeal under way
Sat, 11/12/2016 - 12:00am
Keep being generous, B’dians urged
The local chapter of the Salvation Army joined the rest of the world when they launched their 2016 Christmas Kettle Appeal this week. The charitable organisation is looking to fund its many programmes into 2017, and they will be chasing a target of $800 000.
Jubilee Gardens provided the backdrop for the launch ceremony, which saw the likes of Parliamentary Representative for the City of Bridgetown Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic, and Chairman of the Salvation Army’s Advisory Board, Paul Bernstein in attendance.
Hundreds of Barbadians and visitors were within earshot as Divisional Commander Major Sinous Theodore appealed to the public to continue in the vein of generosity that have shown over the years.
Noting that the Salvation Army celebrated 100 years of service in Barbados back in April of 1998, Major Theodore said it is a blessing that they are still present to touch the lives of those in need through the assistance of members of the public.
“Barbadians, both nationals and residents, have been very generous and kind to the Salvation Army. You have been very supportive and you have inspired us to move on. Your support to our charitable work has been so encouraging and I want to say thank you.
“[With] the support received from the government and the people of this island, all on which we rely, we have been able to meet real needs without discrimination,” Theodore said.
Going on to say that the funds went towards various programmes inclusive of the Meals on Wheels programme, the men’s hostel, day care centres, back-to-school programmes and the Christmas hamper drive to name a few, Theodore lamented that the funds were not enough as there were other projects that needed injections and therefore asked for further assistance.
Highlighting their plight with vehicles that are necessary for the transportation of meals and items, the organisation’s regional head also revealed that $600 000 is needed for a facility; a multi-purpose centre at Speightstown that would assist in after-school programmes up to CXC level; temporary shelter for women and children in times of disaster, the extension of the feeding programme in Bridgetown, and also serving as a distribution point.
Dismissing criticism of some members of the public who question the cause, Major Theodore simply said that it was the Army’s civic duty. “Some people wonder why we do it. We do it, not because we want to encourage people in their poverty – whichever form of poverty you want to call it. We do it because we believe there is a need, and until that need is met, we have a responsibility because we are our brother’s keeper.”