Denise Reid, Gleaner Writer
Western Bureau:
In 1865, William Booth founded the Salvation Army and made a pledge to "fight till the very end" to help those less fortunate.
Today, the Montego Bay branch of the Salvation Army continues that fight, and in this, the season of giving, the charity organisation aims to ensure that the public is educated about the work it does, and in so doing, contribute more to further the important services it provides.
Currently, the Salvation Army operates a bi-weekly feeding programme in Sam Sharpe Square which feeds about 50 to 60 people, and also organises a disaster relief programme, which has benefited about 600 hurricane, flood and fire victims.
Better programme
The Christmas season usually sees the Salvation Army working diligently to ensure that its dinner and Christmas Parcel programmes remain successful; and are even better than in previous years.
The Christmas Parcel programme usually aids some 3,000 people and will be held on December 20. The Christmas dinner benefits about 150 indigent individuals. Both are funded by the Christmas Kettle and Christmas appeal.
The Salvation Army will launch its annual Christmas Kettle on Thursday, November 15, in Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay. There are eight kettles, which are kept at various locations in Montego Bay, giving patrons a chance to make contributions.
$655,219.85 from kettle
Last year the Christmas Kettle programme realised $655,219.85.
Since the start of the year, the Salvation Army has been working assiduously to raise funds to assist those in need. Its annual fundraiser held in July, at The Doctor's Cave Beach, Montego Bay, realised profits of $243,000. That sum however, was a modest start, as the organisation aspires to raise $2 million by the end of the year.
Speaking at a press conference, recently, chairperson of the Salvation Army in Montego Bay, Kay Reuben, stated, "We do have a vision for the future, and now that the public is more aware of the number of people we help, we hope they will be encouraged to make donations."
