THE Guyana Division of the Salvation Army on Wednesday brought comfort and joy to the hearts of more than 500 needy persons residing in and around Georgetown with its annual distribution of food hampers for the Christmas season.While this distribution at the Army’s South Road and Alexander Street Headquarters catered for persons in Georgetown, over the next few days, distribution will be done at other Salvation Army worship centres in outlying areas, including Mahaica, New Amsterdam and Vergenoegen.

Special guest at the event was First Lady Sandra Granger, while Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, was the guest speaker.

The programme, spiced with a rich medley of Christmas carols rendered by Divisional Commander Major Emmerson Cumberbatch, Major Augusto and members of the Divisional Youth Band, was most entertaining. The musical performance was such a delight that when the carol ‘Down from His glory’ was played, many of the seniors in attendance spontaneously took to their feet, waltzing to the amusement of others, as they openly put their dexterity and exuberance on display.

Minister Lawrence, in greeting the seniors, affectionately addressed them as ‘My beloved senior citizens’, and ‘valued members of society’. She also expressed appreciation for their contributions to society in myriad ways during their productive years, and for their creating strong families.

CORNERSTONE
“You have been the cornerstone of love, guidance and protection for generations. Your efforts have helped build this nation,” she assured.

She reminded them that while government’s present resources cannot provide greater increases in pension and other benefits, the administration will not renege on its promise of a better life for all, including senior citizens.

“But be assured (that) you are our top priority, and we are working to ensure that substantial increases are provided,” the minister emphasised.

The minister encouraged them to use every opportunity to help restore love and lost values through their daily conversations and interaction with the youths, since the Ministry of Social Protection is committed to improving their lives and values their contribution.

RESILIENT
She observed that, despite challenges, the Salvation Army has been resilient, and continues to play a meaningful role in the lives of the vulnerable in society.

“You have touched so many lives through your witness for Christ. You have brought solace and comfort to many a sad life. You have cared for the sick and the feeble; offered shelter to the homeless; and today you put a smile and gladden the hearts of our many elderly,” she said.

The minister also congratulated the Advisory Board for its sterling contributions and support to the divisional commanders and officers of the sub-division.

First Lady Sandra Granger congratulated the officers of the division and members of the advisory board for their great humanitarian work.
The First Lady commended the ongoing work of the Army in ‘sharing and caring’ for the needy; bringing joy to persons in difficult circumstances; and looking out for those in distress.

She specifically acknowledged the work being done to rehabilitate substance abusers; the Salvation Army’s dedicated work of raising funds to finance its programmes; and moreso, its tireless efforts at ‘keeping the kettles boiling’ in the streets at Christmastime, in order to generate much-needed funds.

The First Lady also had kudos for the music makers in the Salvation Army. She noted that they uplift Guyanese with their music, which is always lively and encouraging.

Meanwhile, in acknowledgment of the senior citizens’ contribution to the nation over the years, the First Lady, like Minister Lawrence, iterated that senior citizens are precious, and deserve to be honoured and recognised for their contribution to Guyana over the years.

The First Lady also acknowledged and commended the Minister of Social Protection’s substantial financial contribution to her projects, such as the Care for the Elderly Workshop, among others.

Leading up to the start of the programme, the First Lady had a ‘walk around’, during which she greeted many of the enthusiastic and appreciative senior citizens.

By Shirley Thomas