Email

Print

It is as strong a signifier of Christmas as any, the Salvation Army Bells. They’re ringing across the country tonight as the Salvation Army Annual Kettle Appeal was launched today. Of course, ringing a bell when the recession alarm has already been sounded by the Prime Minister may make the collection kettles a little low this year, and that is why at this time no target figure has been set. But the organization that feeds the hungry and provides needy children with gifts and a meal is just hoping that Belizeans will extend a hand and drop anything they can afford in the red kettles. During the short launching ceremony 7News spoke with the new Regional Commander Major Brenda Grinage.

Major Brenda Grinage, Regional Commander
“I would say that we are optimistic because the public has been very supportive of the Salvation Army and they are aware that the need still exists irrespective of the economical situation that the world is going through. So I believe that there will still be a positive response to our mission this Christmas season.”

Jacqueline Godwin,
“What’s the target this year?”

Major Brenda Grinage,
“I have not really set a target. It is my first experience so I think later on I’ll be better able to see what we have been able to do this year and then next year we will probably look at a target.”

Jacqueline Godwin,
“Today officially starts the kettle appeal. What happens next?”

Major Brenda Grinage,
“Okay right after the officially launching, the Salvation Army will then have its kettle at various spots throughout Belize City, of course in Belmopan as well. But throughout Belize City at the various supermarkets and at other business places there will be a kettle.”

Jacqueline Godwin,
“And when does the toy drive start?”

Major Brenda Grinage,
“The toy drive has been, it is spearheaded by Mr. Eddy Bouloy from Bravo Motors and he’s going to be putting boxes at different stores, I think that it should be from this weekend.

Need has no season and the whole spirit of Christmas is the spirit of giving and therefore I believe that Christmas can be a joyous occasion if we all come together and try to alleviate some of the poverty that exists and brings joy and happiness and goodwill to those who are less fortunate than us.”

The red kettles will be posted at various supermarkets throughout Belize City and Belmopan. Meanwhile start collecting toys that your children are no longer in need of because the toy drive spearheaded by Eddie Bouloy of Bravo Motors is scheduled to start soon. Remember, the toys must be in good condition for it to be dropped in the boxes that will also be stationed at various stores.