NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS - The season of giving
officially kicks off because The Salvation Army’s familiar Red Kettles
make their seasonal debut on New Providence, starting Saturday, November
24th, you’ll find those kettles and the jolly ting-a-ling-ling
of handheld bells that accompanies them.
The Red Kettle Campaign supports the mission
of the organization and provides support to a number of programs arranging
from special meals for needy individuals and families, toy and clothing
for disadvantaged children, personal care products for the elderly and
institutionalized, and vital funding for year round programs.
Last year, through the Red Kettle Campaign,
over $100,000 was donated to support The Salvation Army’s programs and
services thanks to the generosity of the community and the gift of volunteer
time by many social service clubs, businesses and individuals.
This year, Divisional Commander Lester Ferguson
is asking the community to give just as much and maybe even a little bit
more. “We need all the help we can get,” Ferguson said, “because the
need is great. We hope that people understand that.”
On hand to help launch the Kettle Campaign
at the Mall at Marathon is the Honorable Melanie Griffin, Minister of Labour
& Social Development, Ministry of Labour & Social Development,
Mr. Geoff Houston, CEO, Bahamas Telecommunications Company, The Royal Bahamas
Police Force Band, The Uriah McPhee Primary School Choir, Board Chairman
Mrs. Judy Munroe and other members of The Salvation Army Bahamas Division
Advisory Board.
The 2012 Christmas Kettle Campaign will
run from November 24th through December 24th. The
bright Red Kettles can be seen outside many business places including Phil’s
Food Services, Super Value Food Stores, Kelly’s, Quality Super Markets,
Q-Club, Furniture Plus, De Sol Island Shop, Lowe's Pharmacies, Nassau Arcade,
Royal Bank of Canada, Scotia Bank, Solomon's Wholesale, Solomon's Fresh
Food Markets, Quality Home Centre, CBS Bahamas, Bookworld, Mall At Marathon,
Town Centre Mall and John Bulls.
As the Red Kettle Campaign rolls forward,
the support from the community can be more than financial. Volunteers are
always needed to help ring the bells and man the Kettles. Anyone is welcomed
to volunteer, according to Ferguson. Often, families, social service clubs
and youth groups will volunteer together. “Christmastime brings out the
best in people,” Ferguson said. “People want to give. They want to be
a part of something greater than themselves.”
Persons or businesses wishing to donate
funds or volunteer time may call The Salvation Army at 393-2340 or mail
in donations to:
The Salvation Army
The Bahamas Divisional Headquarters
31 Mackey Street
P.O.
Box N-205
Nassau, New Providence-The Bahamas
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part
of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in
His name without discrimination since 1865. The Bahamas Division of The
Salvation Army provides assistance through a wide array of social services
that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims,
schooling and employment for the blind, outreach to the elderly and ill,
clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged
children. For more information, go to
www.salvationarmybahamas.org.
