Kettle appeal to benefit 2,000 children
Whether it’s the music already being played on the radio or the mass decorations in just about every store, you’d have to be tone deaf and blind not to notice Belizeans are getting ready for Christmas. But as you put that gift you’ve been eyeing on lay-away, it’s important not to forget the less fortunate among us, especially the children. This week, the Salvation Army has started its annual Kettle Appeal to fund a Christmas dinner for underprivileged children. Members of the Salvation Army took up residence at several street corners today and News 5 was at the kettle stand on Albert Street.
Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting
This year, two thousand Belizean boys and girls will get an early start on a merry Christmas. They will be guests of the Salvation Army at their annual Christmas dinner for the underprivileged.
This morning Belize City’s Deputy Mayor Yasmin Shoman, Launched the annual Kettle Appeal, which raises money for the event. She made a plea for everyone to give generously.
Yasmin Shoman, Deputy Mayor, Belize City
“We must reach into our pockets, however small the donation, it makes no difference, it’s that act of generosity, of wanting to help your fellow human beings during their time of dire need.
Last year the appeal received seventeen thousand dollars. This year, Regional Commander of the Salvation Army, James Garth is hoping that Belizeans will raise the stakes to nineteen thousand.
James Garth, Regional Commander, Salvation Army
“This year we are hoping to make a major impact, because we have increased this year in our neighbourhood children. Last year we did one thousand, two hundred, and our kettling had made it possible to cope with the necessity of obtaining the toys and also getting the meal prepared. So as you know this year we had gone over eight hundred children more, which means that we need a more economical input for this year.”
And the kettles, which will ring out at seven locations in the city, will help to keep the work of the church on the front burner.
James Garth
“Our programmes reach out also to the homeless, like the Gann’s night shelter, Sister Cecilia, the prison ministry. And all over this resource is going to split up in pieces, so we could take Christmas joy to all these different institutions.”
Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.
The dinner will be held on December seventeenth at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall in Belize City. Monies collected will also be used to purchase small gifts for the two thousand children expected to attend.