The Guyana Division of the Salvation Army yesterday distributed its annual Christmas hampers to the needy, bolstered with a call by guest speaker Mrs. Amanda St. Aubyn,– Country Manager of Scotia Bank, for citizens to live by the theme of the observance: “Sharing is Caring”, and continue to participate and partner with the Salvation Army.

The gathering at Citadel Headquarters during the distribution of the Salvation Army Christmas hampers yesterday.

Alluding to both the theme and the Salvation Army’s motto: “Together building tomorrow today,” Mrs. St. Aubyn urged those gathered, and others listening via the electronic media, that it is not something to be taken lightly.

The ScotiaBank Country Manager commented on the gesture of giving to the Christmas Kettles out in the streets at Christmas time. She observed that many persons may be aware of the work of the Salvation Army, may pass by a kettle and drop a small donation, but forget afterwards about the true impact.

To this end, she called for a greater sense of commitment to the Salvation Army’s humanitarian work, admonishing citizens: “I’d really like to encourage everyone… I’d like to give them a charge to get involved, and to truly participate and partner with the Salvation Army so that, together, we can become part of what the Lord sends [for persons in need] when things are not going so well.”

Mrs. Amanda St. Aubyn, Country Manager of ScotiaBank addresses the gathering.

Alluding to some of the impacting works of the Salvation Army in Guyana, Ms. St. Aubyn mentioned the ‘well organised drug rehabilitation programme; their outreach work with young people; and notably, sharing of hampers on an ‘ongoing basis’ and intensified at Christmas time.’

Meanwhile, in a tangible demonstration of her bank’s support for the work of the Salvation Army in Guyana, the Scotia Bank Country Manager made a donation of what she termed ‘a small sum’ of money to the entity, adding: “It’s somewhere to start, and I’d like this to be the beginning of many good things…”

Commenting on the corporate philosophy of the Bank of Nova Scotia, she said that ScotiaBank sees corporate giving as its corporate social responsibility.

To this end, the Bank of Nova Scotia, in 2008, launched a ‘Bright Future Programme’ which aims at ensuring that everyone, including children, has a bright future. It is from this programme that the donation yesterday was given.

Distribution of the hampers, led by Mrs. Amanda St. Aubyn (fourth from left). To her left is Major Marie Theodore; and at extreme right – Major Sinous Theodore.

The distribution of Christmas hampers to the needy is one of the many activities through which the Salvation Army connects emotionally with and responds to the needs of the less fortunate in Guyana, bringing cheer and joy to the hearts of many.

Yesterday’s activity saw well over 500 citizens receiving Christmas hampers at Citadel Headquarters. This exercise is being replicated at several other worship centres around Guyana. As outlined by Divisional Commander, Major Sinous Theodore, this activity is made possible through generous donations to the Kettles out in the streets at this time, and other Christmas appeals, such as donations my mail.

Over the last few days the Salvation Army’s Women’s Arm, headed by Director Major Marie Theodore, has taken cheer to The Archer’s Home, Gentle Women’s Home, Dharam Shala, The Palms, and their Bent Street Women’s Home. On Sunday it will do likewise at the Georgetown Public Hospital and Ptolemy Rehabilitation Centre.