The growing needs of jobless Barbadians, hard hit by the effects of the pandemic, have put the Salvation Army’s finances under significant strain, Divisional Commander Major Brenda Greenidge said Friday as its annual kettle and letter appeal launched to plug a $700,000 gap.
Major Greenidge said the situation has reached the point where people who would normally contribute to the kettle campaign are now needing assistance themselves.
With so many people out of work, the number of people in need of support has jumped nearly five times over the last year, said the Divisional Commander, even though people have been generous since the pandemic started.
Despite the services already provided in response to the pandemic, the Salvation Army is anticipating a greater need this Christmas, she said as the kettle appeal’s launch in Heroes Square.
Major Greenidge said: “Donating to the Salvation Army is one of the most direct ways to help those touched by the economic woes. Because 85 cents of every dollar that is given goes directly to funding programs. Therefore, when you hear the familiar Salvation Army Bell this season, I want people to remember, we are sounding the alarm to request for help for the less fortunate families, to assist families who are in need this year, more than ever, between the hurricane, the pandemic and subsequent losses.”
From January through to the end of September, the Army has provided 26,330 hot meals, of which 8,139 were delivered to disabled and elderly people at their homes, advisory board chairman Paul Bernstein reported. He said 419 people received clothing, furnishings were given to 25 families, and 38 people received other types of assistance.
The faith-based charity also gave out 1,600 food hampers to the most vulnerable, apart from the usual 4,000 Christmas hampers that will be handed out to families in need, he added. Christmas gifts will also be distributed to children and senior homes as well as to the less fortunate in communities, he added.
Bernstein said: “We are approaching a second Christmas under this serious COVID-19 pandemic which unfortunately is still with us causing hardship within the community and by extension, putting more financial pressure on us, as we try as much as possible to assist those in need.
“As I greet and welcome all of you to this very important launch, I would like to thank all Barbadians, as well as the business and financial sectors, for supporting us this past year, and look forward to your generous support going forward.
“We have a lot to do and need your support to do it. Our target is $700,000, the same as last year, and let me assure you the Salvation Army uses 85 cents in every dollar received, to provide services to the people in need.”
Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Cynthia Forde joined in the appeal’s launch to commend the Salvation Army for assisting the Government with meeting the needs of those facing difficult times, particularly during the pandemic.
Forde appealed to Barbadians to give whatever they can afford to the Christmas and Kettle Appeal to allow the Army to continue its charitable work.
She said: “If you cannot give a $20, a $10 would do, a $5 will do, a $2 will do, a silver dollar will do. But you know what? There are many of us who can put in a Grantley [$100] or two and therefore I am imploring all of you to come on board and assist the Salvation Army in being able to meet the needs of those who are less fortunate than us. The work that you have been doing is extremely outstanding.
“I applaud all of you for the support, the guidance and the sacrifice and you can rest assured that the Government of Barbados will continue to provide the necessary support system whether it be through donations from the Ministry or any other form once we can get together and learn what the needs are of the Army to be able to transfer that support to the numerous projects that you have always been involved in.”
anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb
