Salvation Army surpasses target

The Salvation Army has once again surpassed its financial target for 2022 to 2023, this time by almost $100 000.

According to Major Brenda Greenidge, appeals during the Christmas Fundraising Campaign 2022, netted $849 000. This accounted for about $99 000 more than the $750 000 target set by the Salvation Army.

Greenidge said: “The Salvation Army would like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported the 2022 Christmas appeal. We would like to thank our generous corporate partners who have made a commitment to ensuring we leave no one in need.

“The Salvation Army is incredibly proud and extremely grateful to be working alongside these trusted organisations as we bring about transformational change in communities right around Barbados. We are especially grateful to The Salvation Army’s Advisory Board, led by chairman Paul Bernstein, for their guidance and commitment to the work we do.”

Greenidge said the generosity and kindness and the commitment and hard work of wonderful volunteers allowed the Salvation Army to support more than 4 800 families with grocery hampers and food vouchers. She added that nine institutions received hygienic supplies.

“The Christmas Fundraising Campaign is the Salvation Army’s most vital fundraiser, accounting for nearly 85 per cent of its annual fundraising totals. It is vital because we depend on this support to fund year-round programmes,” she added.

Greenidge said the funds collected would allow them to continue the outreach in the feeding and Meals on Wheels programme which now caters to more than 300 people, Monday to Friday.

“As leader of The Salvation Army in Barbados, I want to express my heartfelt thanks for your continued support. Whether you are an enthusiastic volunteer, or a generous donor, together we can make a difference,” Greenidge said.

Bernstein expressed concern that the Salvation Army’s hostel remained a “home” for many.

“It’s extremely difficult. We have a hostel with about 20 rooms. It was opened in 2008 to house persons for between three to six months – on just a temporary basis. Invariably, some people have nowhere to go and we cannot put them out. We even have a few deportees who returned to the island, but have no relatives with whom they can live because the relatives live abroad,” he explained. (CH)