Edgar Gegg recognized for contributions to Salvation Army

The Salvation Army today honored one of its most dedicated members for his years of good service to the organisation and for his positive contributions to the community. He is Edgar “Bally” Gegg, a prominent businessman and the former proprietor of Vogue Store which subsequently evolved into Marelco. News Five spoke to both Gegg and his son Francis about his dedication to Belizean society.

Edgar Gegg, Recognised for Years of Service
“Quite pleased and thrilled that they should honor me in this unique fashion. I’ve always had a tremendous admiration for the Salvation Army and I was on very good terms with their officers and members. I have a—I hate to say this because it sounds boastful—a preference to deal or hobnob with poor people.”

Francis Gegg, Son of Edgar Gegg
“Well he was the first chairman of their advisory committee and the primary purpose of that was to raise money for all the worthy causes. Then of course, he’s been a very avid Catholic all his life. And sort of at the end of his career of service he decided that the Salvation Army was a very worthy cause and he’s always said that if he was not a Catholic he would be a Salvation Armyist. So in the latter part of his life he spent ten years advising them on fundraising. That’s been perhaps his greatest contribution to Belize’s society in an area of fundraising for the Catholic church in the first instance and then after that for the salvation army. In terms of his public service, he was a foundational director of D.F.C. he was one of the first directors of D.F.C., he was one of the first directors of monetary authority, Central Bank, he was chairman of the tourist board, chairman of the fisheries advisors committee, he served on the public service reform committee, he was on the public service commission. He’s been in almost every single statutory body in old Belize.”

The Salvation Army’s Regional Commander Errol Robateau is inviting new volunteers to the organisation that is well known for its Kettle Appeal at Christmas Time.