Salvation Army launches Christmas Kettle

The traditional Christmas Kettle launched by the Salvation Army saw Public Affairs Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams giving the first donation to the charitable cause.
Hastings-Williams was the featured speaker at the launching of the annual appeal for public donations at the Georgetown Club on Friday, as the festive season gets underway.
Minister Hasting- Williams acknowledged the tremendous work being done by the Salvation Army in assisting the less fortunate. She said the fact that the institution is working so tirelessly and energetically to help people is gratifying.
Further, the Minister noted that the Salvation Army’s contribution is significant to the country’s development.
Meanwhile, Salvation Army Advisory Board Chairman, Edward Boyer said it is one of the best types of help and while it is a good initative during this time of peace and goodwill, he said, “we should have these activities to help put some light in the lives of many people who have fallen on bad times.”
Further, he mentioned that people from all walks of life enter the Salvation Army Rehab programme and are able to get a second chance at life. However, he noted that the institution needs more help to expand the current programme.
Giving brief remarks, Divisional Commander, Major Matignol Saint-Lot said in addition to the core churches that the Salvation Army operates, it also has several other initiatives, including a feeding programme.
He highlighted that the organisation operates a half-way house, a hostel and drug rehabilitation centre while explaining that their mission is to save souls and better them.
The simple ceremony featured steel pan renditions by the Police Steel Pan band, a motivational song by the Salvation Army Men’s Social Centre and a performance by the Divisional Youth Choir. Also offering a rendition of songs were the choirs from the St Rose’s High School, the Bishops’ High School and Marian Academy.
Officers of the Salvation Army will be stationed at strategic locations near popular stores and businesses as they solicit donations from the general public to fund their charitable programmes.
Government provides a subvention for the organisation’s drug rehabilitation programme, but it is dependent on the good will of the general public to support its various initiatives.