The Salvation Army is not only appealing to Barbadians for $850 000 this Christmas season, but also for less violence and physical confrontation in the country.
The plea came yesterday from Divisional Commander Major Robert O. Pyle at the official launch of the Kettle Appeal in Golden Square Freedom Park, The City.
“[This year] has been a very hectic [one] for our country, and as we enter this Christmas season, we celebrate it as a time of peace and goodwill toward others. 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.
Among those present were Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Kirk Humphrey, Minister of State in the Office of the Attorney General with responsibility for Crime Prevention Corey Lane, and chairman of the Salvation Army’s Advisory Board Paul Bernstein.
Pyle said their theme was Be A Good Neighbour This Christmas. “Your neighbour is a person you see every day. Your co-worker, persons in the street, in your community, in your neighbourhood.”
He added that the Salvation Army will continue to do good to its neighbours and everyone in need regardless of race, colour, creed or sex, and charged all Barbadians to join in the act of giving.
“I ask our fellow Barbadians to join us in extending our goodwill to others this Christmas season by sharing with us. When you give to us, your donation has a direct impact on individuals, on families and also on our children. So, for this Christmas season, be a good neighbour and show kindness to others.”
Last year the Salvation Army was reported to have collected more than $900 000, surpassing the target which was also $850 000. This was increase from the $750 000 target set in 2022.
Bernstein said they hoped, with the help of all Barbadians, to exceed that amount again.
Substantial income
He explained that the income from both the kettles and the
Christmas appeal letters accounted for a substantial amount of the annual income, which was essential to continue the good work of the Salvation Army throughout the year.
The chairman outlined some of the initiatives the army was able to make possible due to the generosity of the public.
He said 1 325 people received educational books; 200 families were provided
with back-toschool supplies this year; 135 people got furnishings; and they doubled the number receiving clothing – from 1 941 last year to 3 910 in 2024.
He added that 852 people – including parents and children – were provided with groceries from their pantry programme, while 30,742 meals were served both in-house and under Meals on Wheels programme.
Bernstein said this year they planned to give out 4 800 Christmas hampers to families in need, especially those with children. “We also plan to give Christmas gifts to the children’s homes, senior citizens’ homes and to the less fortunate.”
Special appeal
He added: “I am making a special appeal to the business community to please . . . support this worthy cause. Let me assure you once again that the Salvation Army uses approximately 85 cents in every dollar received to provide direct services to those persons in need.”
Humphrey praised the Salvation Army for carrying out its work efficiently and quietly. “For many people the kettle bell was a symbol of hope and a symbol of another person having the heart to care.”
He said people should be made to feel less hurt when they reach out to the agencies under his ministry for assistance.
“We all know that hurt people hurt people. When they engage us as professionals, we cannot return that level of behaviour to them. We have to absorb it and give them grace. That has to be the way the ministry approaches things,” he said.
Lane, who is also Member of Parliament for The City, said the Salvation Army was one of the most significant organisations in Barbados and its work was a blessing to many people. He appealed to Barbadians to give more to help surpass the $850 000 goal.
“When you hear that little bell in the air and you know it’s the season of cheer, go a little further and share. Let your heart open up and let that bell ring, not in your ear but in your heart,” he urged. (AJ)
