The Salvation Army has set itself the mammoth goal of $850 000 for their 2023/2024 Christmas Kettle Appeal.
Earmarked as their primary fundraising event, the organisation created some hype with a head-to-head battle between soca stars Anderson ‘Mr Blood’ Armstrong and Michael ‘Mikey’ Mercer at the Warrens branch of Massy supermarket. On Saturday afternoon the duo squared off to see who could raise the most money.
Through this friendly competition, they are creating some buzz on social media with the Who Sang It Best campaign. The artistes rallied the support of their fans to see who they believe has the best acapella version of two popular Christmas songs. Blood’s rendition of Give Love on Christmas Day has been pitted against Mikey’s performance of Joy to the World to see who can garner the most likes, while simultaneously encouraging persons to donate to the worthy cause.
Major Denzil Walcott, Public Relations Officer for the Salvation Army, was present to oversee the proceedings. He expressed gratitude for the support the entertainers have provided. He acknowledged their past collaborations on video projects and highlighted the positive impact they have had on the fundraising drive.
The artistes encouraged shoppers to contribute to the cause.
Major Walcott extended thanks to the Barbadian public for their ongoing support and expressed confidence in meeting their target.
When Barbados TODAY visited the store, Mikey was in the lead. He joked, “Andy was a little tardy, so with his tardiness I made sure to take advantage, so he has to catch up now.” The artiste stated, “It is actually something that I look forward to every year. We do a lot of work with the Salvation Army through the Team Mikey charity, and I thoroughly enjoy giving back, I thoroughly enjoy helping out and it is fun for me. It is a good link up for me and Blood.”
Meanwhile, Blood said he relishes the interactions with the public. He said, “It is really good to come here every year. I really believe that we as individuals should give back somehow, sometimes financially or morally. With me it is just time, taking time out from my busy schedule and today is a packed day for me. Coming here and seeing the smiles on people’s faces and getting them to donate and do something good for someone else is a big part of Christmas for me.”
(STT)
