Salvation Army kicks off kettle appeal

It’s as much a part of the season as apples, grapes and a roll of new marley. News Five’s Stewart Krohn was on hand as the big iron kettle was rolled out on Albert Street.

Stewart Krohn, Reporting

Never mind that we have yet to celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day, this morning we were reminded that Christmas will soon be upon us. The occasion was the launching of the Salvation Army’s annual kettle appeal. Belize City Mayor David Fonseca reminded downtown shoppers that the appeal is about more than money.

David Fonseca, Belize City Mayor

“It’s also about you and I and our responsibility to our other brothers and sisters in our communities that struggle each day to stay alive, each day to keep their heads above the rough seas, each day disregarding the negative abuse given to them by others.”

And the need for the Salvation Army’s services is as great as ever. Major Errol Robateau, Former Regional Commander, urges viewers not to ignore the ringing bell.

Errol Robateau, Former Regional Commander

“We have people in need. Christmas is a time of joy and for me it’s not enough to sit home and eat my turkey or chicken or whatever it is I have for Christmas and not share with others. I feel that just by dropping something in the kettle, they can help the Salvation Army to help those in need, so that more people in the society can have a merry Christmas as we often wish each other.”

The Salvation Army provides a Christmas dinner and gifts to over a thousand children as well as the elderly, both in Belize City and other parts of the country.

The use of an iron kettle for Salvation Army fundraising dates back to Christmas of 1891 in San Francisco. It was the brainchild of Captain Joseph McFee, who patterned it after a practice he had seen in Liverpool, England.