THE Guyana Division of the Salvation Army will, tomorrow, usher in the spirit of Christmas, with the launch of its annual Christmas appeal at Georgetown Club, beginning at 10:00 hrs. 

Special Guest Speaker will be Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Finance. Following his presentation, Dr. Singh will perform the ceremonial launch of the appeal, by making the first donation to the Kettles. This gesture will be followed by donations from members of the diplomatic corps, the private sector and others.
There will also be brief remarks by Divisional Commander, Major Emmerson Cumberbatch and Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, Mr. Edward Boyer.
The programme will be spiced with lusty singing of carols, ushering in the festive season, led by Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries, Major Carolinda Cumberbatch. There will be performances by the Youth Timbrel Brigade and a skit by the clients of the drug rehabilitation programme.
In this season of Peace, Goodwill and Joy towards men, therefore, the Salvation Army is urging persons this time around, to give generously to the kettles, located at strategic points in the streets, beginning tomorrow morning.
Other ways in which persons, including the private sector, can give include the ‘Mail Appeal’, and persons in receipt of appeal letters can take them to the bank specified by the Salvation Army, and using the account numbers provided, make their generous deposits.
Others so inclined, may drop off donations at Citadel Headquarters, South Road and Alexander Streets.
The traditional ‘Kettles’ are a symbol of the Army’s mantra ‘Sharing in Caring’, and is a timely reminder that, throughout the year, the Salvation Army engages in humanitarian acts of caring, through sharing – literally reaching out and ministering to the needs of thousands of challenged and less fortunate people in our midst. To a large extent, it is through the generous donations to the kettles by all and sundry, that the Army is able to raise funds to meet its budget, aimed at bringing peace and joy to the needy.
The Salvation Army utilises funds raise to conduct its year-long humanitarian programmes aimed at responding to the needs of senior citizens, the less fortunate. Such programmes include drug rehabilitation, feeding prograammes for needy children and senior citizens, League of Mercy, Women’s Home League and Counselling.
The next big event on the Salvation Army’s Calendar is the ‘Distribution of Hampers’, slated for the second week of December. At Citadel Headquarters, South Road and Alexander Streets, beginning at 10:00 hrs. This programme is intended strictly for the ‘needy’, who are encouraged to get registered and collect their tickets in advance of the date of distribution.
In the interest of ensuring a smooth and orderly distribution process, only persons with tickets will be issued with hampers.