EACH year, from the end of November through December, The Salvation Army hosts its Christmas Kettle Appeal. Soon, Guyanese will be greeted with the familiar sight of the red donation bucket as the local division of the organisation launched its kettle drive at the Umana Yana on Friday.

The annual Christmas Appeal helps to meet the needs of those less fortunate through the provision of food, shelter, rehabilitation and much more.
Present at Friday’s launch were Foreign Secretary Carl Greenidge; Mayor of Georgetown Pandit Ubraj Narine; ExxonMobil’s Country Manager Rod Henson; Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board Edward Boyer; Divisional Leaders Majors Matignol and Mireille Saint-Lot; captains and soldiers of the Salvation Army; school students and members of the public.

Henson, in his remarks, noted, “Whether it is providing disaster relief, shelters for the homeless, hampers, mattresses, operating hospitals, so many other services, the Salvation Army is making a real difference in the lives of so many.”

Major Matignol Saint-Lot said the goal this year is “to distribute 1,500 food hampers, host several parties with children, and share gifts with them. And from the second week of November until Christmas, we will visit many homes and institutions, where we will also share Christmas toys and gifts.”

Major Saint-Lot expressed appreciation for the continued generous support that allows the organisation to deliver services to those in need.

The Salvation Army currently provides food hampers and services to persons every week; they also offer services in schools, daycare, nursing homes, women home and many other organisations. Last year, the Salvation Army collected $9M.

Next year, the Salvation Army will celebrate its 125th year of service.

(DPI)