Salvation Army reports successful Christmas fundraising drive

The Salvation Army’s 2021 Christmas Appeal has raised just over BDS$817 000, surpassing the BDS$700 000 target.

Chairman of the Army’s Advisory Board Paul Bernstein who delivered the welcomed news during a press conference at the army’s Reed Street, City headquarters also thanked those who made donations to the Kettle and Letter Appeals and extended gratitude to persons who played a role in the collection of the funds.

Bernstein also revealed that the number of Barbadians requesting assistance from the army continues to increase, particularly due to the two-year-old COVID-19 pandemic. He revealed that in 2021, the non-profit organization assisted 752 persons with clothing and furniture.

He further disclosed that throughout last year 4 987 food hampers were given to persons struggling to make ends meet as a result of the pandemic, while an additional 4 000 Christmas hampers were distributed to households across the island.

Bernstein said throughout last year the feeding centre handed out 26 480 meals for collection, while 10 653 meals were delivered to the elderly and disabled at home.

“I can’t disclose it right now but you will be hearing about it shortly, but we are talking to a big company here in Barbados where they would be able to assist us in raising funds by way of a donation at their cash registers. I don’t want to go deeper than that because they have given us the green light but I still am not in a position to say exactly who the company is and exactly what we are planning to do.

“But I have given you a big hint, it is something where we are trying to raise funds and when you reach the cashier you will be able to give a little BDS$1 or $2 to the Salvation Army. As time goes on, we have different challenges and the Salvation Army goes to its limits to fulfill these challenges.

“When people come, desperate, with a family, we just don’t turn our backs, we cannot do that. This is why we have to keep our projects going, we have to keep raising funds, and we have to keep helping people. It’s a continuous process.”

Meanwhile, the army’s Divisional Business Manager Sherma Evelyn said at least 10 persons, including fire victims, visit the Reed Street headquarters to request assistance for food, clothing and furniture.

She said that the money raised in the appeal has already been allotted to supporting the feeding programme and other initiatives.

“The money may look like a lot but it is not enough to cover the full year and what we really do on a full basis,” Evelyn said.

She also indicated that with face-to-face classes set to resume on February 21, the army will be assisting families with back to school preparations. anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb