Christmas Bells Are Ringing for Salvation Army Kettle Appeal
The Kettle Appeal by the Salvation Army is a given at this time of the year. Every year the Salvation Army pulls out the red pot indicating that generosity is encouraged in the spirit of the holidays. This morning Albert Street in downtown Belize City felt the vibes as the appeal was launched. News Five’s Duane Moody reports.
Duane Moody, Reporting
The echoes of a red bell ringing in the distance followed by the sight of a volunteer standing next to a suspended red pot is a clear indication that Christmas is drawing near as the annual Salvation Army Kettle Appeal initiative kicks off. Today, in downtown Albert Street, on the steps of Scotiabank, the spirit of the holidays came alive as Wesley High School’s band and choir joined the Salvation Army and Belize City Mayor, Darrell Bradley, for the launch of the kettle drive. Bradley says that the council has been providing support to the institution for years.
Darrell Bradley
Darrell Bradley, Belize City Mayor
“This is the fourth time that I have been here and every year, I am really impressed and hallowed by the warmth and sincerity and Christian pride that the Salvation Army takes in this event. Members of our community will see the kettles throughout Belize City and we are encouraging everyone to give of their support generously because they remind us to live our faith. The Christmas season is an opportunity to show God’s love through acts of generosity so that we can be a blessing to others within our community, those in need. And we can do that—not only in the Christmas season, but all through the year.”
Partnering with the Salvation Army this year is Scotiabank Belize, which made a first donation of one thousand five hundred dollars. Managing Director of the Financial Institution, Michael Shaw, says that the bank, as is done in other countries throughout the region, pledges to continue its donation for years to come.
Michael Shaw
Michael Shaw, Managing Director, Scotiabank Belize
“Scotiabank looks for partners like these—people who want to give back in a meaningful way. So I have made a commitment that we will always partner with the Salvation Army every year to help them in their kettle drive to ensure that they give back to the communities, to the most needy. We are very pleased to do this, we are glad for this partnership and we are looking forward to continue working with them.”
Commander of the Salvation Army, Major Joliker Leandre, says that the goal this year is to raise one hundred thousand dollars to help both the elderly and youth populations in the country.
Joliker Leandre
Major Joliker Leandre, Commander, Salvation Army
“The money we receive from this period, majority will be spent on the Christmas period; however, we use it for our welfare program. We have a food parcel distribution for the elderly and that is quite separate from everything we do. Every month, they will come and get their food parcel because they are the most vulnerable. So this is our contribution to them. We also go to homes; thank God for the government and the Opposition from time to time who would help with some root beers and so and so. So we appreciate every contribution made—whether by the government, the Opposition or the general public, the business community.”
Duane Moody for News Five.
The kettles have been set up at businesses such as Brodies, Save U, Hofius and supermarkets across the city as well as Scotia Bank branches.
