Salvation Army meets mark

Barbadians have been cheerful givers to the Salvation Army helping the christian charity to meet its fundraising target of BBD $650 000 through the annual Christmas Kettle Drive.

The funds will support the Army’s annual outreach programmes for the 2018 to 2019 period.

Reporting on the results of the annual fundraiser, which ran from November 9, 2018 to January 31, this year, Community Relations Officer Major Denzil Walcott said the Salvation Army was heartened and sincerely grateful as Barbadians demonstrated the meaning of “heart to God and hand to man”.

“We at the Salvation Army have truly been inspired by the compassionate response from Barbadians to our recent kettle and letter appeal. We are happy to report that we have met our target for the year, which we know is no small feat in circumstances where the country as a whole is faced with serious economic difficulties,” said Major Walcott.

Chief Secretary Lieutenant Colonel Paul Main (fourth from left) and his wife Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries (third from left) at today’s press conference, held at the Army’s Reed Street headquarters, with Divisional Commander Major Darrell Wilkinson (second from left), Community Relations Officer, Major Denzil Walcott (left), Chairman of the Army’s Advisory Committee Paul Bernstein (second from right), and Divisional Business Manager Sherma Evelyn.

Divisional Commander, Major Darrell Wilkinson also commended Barbadians for their kind-hearted support for those less fortunate persons who will be the
beneficiaries.

“I express sincere thanks to the many Barbadians who gave selflessly, many of them doing so on multiple occasions throughout the fundraising period,” Wilkinson said.

Major Wilkinson also thanked the church’s corporate sponsors and volunteers, including the dedicated kettle handlers, and members of the public who assisted with the effort.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to our major sponsor Scotiabank who continue to support us every year,” he said.

Divisional Business Manager Sherma Evelyn was also pleased with the funds raised.

“Corporate Barbados was able to help us raise a significant part of this. But what would have impacted the most is that the average Barbadian gave. You would be surprised that the $5 or $10 the average Barbadian put in the post and send to us adds up and may seem insignificant to others, but they are giving what they have.

“I remember receiving a letter saying this is all I have but this is what I gave to the Salvation Army because I know I am better today than I was last year, because I didn’t have anything last year and the Salvation Army gave me something,” Evelyn said.