Salvation Army halfway to kettle appeal goal as more turn up for festive meal

With just days to go before Christmas, the Salvation Army has raised about half of its $850 000 target, even as more people than expected turned up to be fed at its annual Christmas luncheon in Bridgetown, on Friday.

By midday, every table inside the Reed Street headquarters was filled, and people were waiting outside the gates to come in. This year, guests were seated and served by staff and volunteers, unlike in previous years when they collected food themselves.

Divisional Commander Major Robert Pyle said that between 350 and 400 people were expected to be served. “This may be the best or the only Christmas meal that many of them will partake of for this season,” he said. “This is why the luncheon remains a top priority each year. That’s why we offer this luncheon… to help people enjoy a good Christmas.”

The menu reflected the occasion, going beyond the Salvation Army’s regular daily meals. “It is Christmas, and we have something special in terms of the type of meal and what we prepare here,” he said. “The jug jug and the macaroni pie and so forth, extra baked chicken, turkey, ham, everything that makes Christmas what it is.”

Opening remarks earlier in the afternoon set a tone of gratitude, faith, and partnership. Attendees were reminded that the luncheon was made possible through the combined efforts of staff, volunteers, and corporate donors.

“There are several companies, institutions in Barbados that value you,” the audience was told, as contributors such as Cave Shepherd and its associated entities, Fortress, Bubba’s, the Boatyard, Lucky Horseshoe Warrens, High Tech Limited, and others were acknowledged.

“On behalf of the Salvation Army and our staff here in Reed Street… we want to wish each and every one of you a very merry Christmas,” the gathering heard Major Pyle say. “Spend Christmas with the ones that you love… and I pray that peace and joy and success will be yours for the new year.”

This year’s luncheon saw a strong showing of volunteers. There were 17 volunteers from Cave Shepherd, six from another trust, oneyoung scout, along with Salvation Army staff, all helping to serve meals and desserts to guests. According to Pyle, volunteerism for the luncheon has increased, particularly through corporate partnerships that extend beyond financial donations.

“They have literally brought that forth by coming in person and lending their hands to this wonderful occasion we call Christmas luncheon,” he said, noting that Cave Shepherd remains one of the largest and longest-standing partners. “That shows that they trust us, they believe in the mission that we are in, and they want to give back to the communities.”

Pyle pointed out that not all tables were filled last year, but they were already full as service began this year. “It’s either the people are hungry, either we were very good in promoting this event and they heard so they got more people coming, or it’s an indication of the economic situation in the country that people are responding to, so they’re here,” he said.

Beyond the luncheon, attention remains fixed on the Salvation Army’s annual kettle appeal. While collections are slightly behind last year’s pace, Pyle said spirits remain high. “The last figure I had was a couple of days ago, $430 000,” he disclosed, adding that the organisation is about six per cent behind where it was at the same time last year.

“Our spirits aren’t dampened,” he said. “All it takes is one or two or three companies to make up the rest. This is God’s business. We just happen to be the hands and feet of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

He noted that while kettle collections end on Christmas Eve, the mail appeal continues into January, giving donors additional time to contribute. “Many Barbadians are giving $5, $10, $100. It does not matter. The money is handy, and it will be used for the less fortunate and most vulnerable in our communities.”

“Where there is a need, you’ll find the Salvation Army,” Major Pyle said. “Once anyone comes to us with a need and we are able to meet it, we will do our part.” (LE)