The Launch of the Annual Kettle Appeal

The annual Kettle Appeal of the Salvation Army kicked off today in the downtown area of the city. The launch marks the beginning of the Christmas season during which the organization hopes residents will be generous and make a difference in someone’s life. The organization is this year spreading its wings to other areas and hopes to raise one hundred thousand dollars, so be generous this Christmas season. News Five’s Duane Moody reports. 

Duane Moody, Reporting

Your favorite Christmas carols reverberated through downtown Albert Street today as the Salvation Army officially launched its annual kettle appeal under the theme, “Make a Difference in Someone’s Life this Christmas.” The target is one hundred thousand dollars to fund the many projects of the humanitarian organization and, in particular, its Christmas events for families and children across the country.

Joliker Leandre

Major Joliker Leandre, Chair, Salvation Army

“It is nothing new to the Belizean people; we have been around for one hundred and two years and they are used to it and we are very appreciative of their help.”

Duane Moody

“This year, are you guys expanding to anywhere else?”

Major Joliker Leandre

“This year, in addition to the usual locations, we also have Hattieville, San Ignacio and there are other areas in Cayo district where the officers have been going and plan to go this year. So that is expansion; wherever the needs are, we will be there.”

The first of much assistance from the business community came once again in the form of a cheque from Scotia Bank in Belize City, which handed over two thousand dollars to the Salvation Army.

Elio Cabanas

Elio Cabanas, Marketing Manager, Scotia Bank

“We are very happy to be a part of this big initiative with them. I think it is very important for us in our giving back to the community that this is a task that we can relate with that we can support. We’ve had their presence here since last year and we certainly encourage the public to come out and also contribute towards it because they are really catering to the underserved people of Belize. and it is not Christmas if we are not taking care of everyone.”

The City Council has actively supported the Salvation Army since mayor Darrell Bradley took office back in 2012. The council participates annually in the Christmas party held for one thousand primary school children at the Parish Hall.  This year, however, Bradley expressed nostalgia because it is his last appearance for the kettle appeal, at least in the capacity as mayor.

Darrell Bradley

Darrell Bradley, Belize City Mayor

“The Salvation Army has continuously blessed our community. I spoke very briefly of their involvement in education, in community service, having the work that they do with the homeless. And they are really a faith community that lives by their word. They show on a daily basis that they’re really committed to the empowerment of others and they live lives of service and compassion. And I think this is just another year of showing their love for the residents of Belize City and for the country of Belize. And I think that this Kettle Appeal has become something which is a mainstay of the Christmas season.”

Aside from monetary contributions, the Salvation Army can be contacted for in-kind donations from the public. Duane Moody for News Five.