Bajans urged to ‘give more’ to help raise $1M for Salvation Army

The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Kettle and Letter Appeal launched on Friday with an ambitious call to raise $1 million, surpassing the traditional target of $850 000.

Speaking at the launching ceremony at Golden Square Freedom Park, City of Bridgetown MP Corey Lane, urged Barbadians to increase their donations. 

“This year, I appeal once again to every Barbadian to give a little bit more so we can exceed that $850 000. We’re going for one million Barbados dollars to keep on the work that we are doing today,” he said.

The appeal comes as the organisation reports a significant increase in its charitable activities. 

Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board Paul Bernstein revealed that clothing assistance had doubled from 1 941 recipients last year to 3 910 people this year. Further detailing the organisation’s expanding reach, he said that 554 people received baby clothes, 1 325 received educational books, and 200 families were given back-to-school assistance. The charity’s meals programme served 30 742 meals between January and September alone, with projections exceeding 40 000 by year-end.

Making a direct appeal to the business community, Bernstein stressed that 85 per cent of donations directly benefit those in need. 

“There’s a lot more out there and they’re just not seeming to get the message and we can’t force them. You could only ask them and appeal as we’re doing right now. I am making a special appeal to the business community to please support this worthy cause,” he said.

The charity plans to distribute 4 800 Christmas hampers to families in need, with additional Christmas gifts earmarked for children’s homes, senior citizens’ homes and the less fortunate.

Minister of People Empowerment Kirk Humphrey pledged enhanced government support and collaboration with the Salvation Army. 

“I do seriously think that we have to look at giving the Salvation Army a little bit more support, to be truthful,” he said. “And I think also in relation to a number of the projects we’re doing, we can call them in and see if they want to partner with us on some of the amazing projects that we will be doing over the course of the next year.”

Humphrey also addressed the need for improved service delivery within his ministry. 

“I think we have to deliver faster to people. I think we have to make people feel less hurt, less without dignity when they come to the ministry,” he said. “The engagement with the ministry must be a pleasant experience, it also has to be a faster experience.”

Meanwhile, the Salvation Army’s Divisional Commander Major Robert Pyle called for a peaceful holiday season, announcing this year’s theme, Be a good neighbour this Christmas.

“This Christmas season, I pray that we will see less violence and physical confrontation and let us see how we can handle our differences in the spirit of love and tolerance for one another,” he said. 

(LG)