Salvation Army calls on J’cans to ‘share the wealth’
Published:Thursday | December 14, 2023 | 12:09 AMAsha Wilks/Gleaner Writer
“The cry for help is deafening.” This sentiment was shared yesterday by commissioner Devon Haughton, territorial commander of The Salvation Army Caribbean territory, at its annual Christmas food hamper distribution at the organisation’s Eastern Jamaica division at 174 Orange Street in Kingston.
“There is enough wealth in this country Jamaica that if we should share the wealth, [it] could alleviate the suffering of thousands of people across this beautiful country,” Haughton said.
He further highlighted, during his remarks, the importance of helping the less fortunate in society and stated that The Salvation Army has played a vital role within communities across Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Haughton continued that the organisation was heavily dependent on the generosity of those within the society who assist them in helping others.
“A student recently asked me ‘what has kept The Salvation Army serving in Jamaica for over 136 years?’ I responded [that] it was our mandate from Jesus to show compassion for people ... when we have lost compassion for suffering humanity, we have lost the soul of our mission and the heart of our youthfulness,” he said.
It was a joyous occasion for the 300 individuals, who, through the efforts of The Salvation Army and its sponsors, received a bag of chicken courtesy of CB Chicken and a variety of food items.
First-time beneficiaries from the programme, Claudette Williams, Shaunalee Robinson, and Carol Rutherford, expressed gratitude to the Salvation Army for their contribution towards them having a merry Christmas.
“Lord, I’m so happy!” Williams exclaimed as she informed The Gleaner that she endeavours each year during the Yuletide season to also give back to others from the little she had received.
“Sometime when me get [things] a year time, me share with other people. I don’t keep to myself because there’s a little old lady [I know] weh live all the way in Spanish Town, and I just pack it and send it with somebody and give a little change in her hand, yuh know, each one help one,” the resident of Rae Town in downtown Kingston shared.
Robinson said that she was giving God thanks for the hamper she received and that it would go a far way this season.
Rutherford commended the work of the Salvation Army, adding that she particularly loved the assistance they give to neighbouring communities in downtown Kingston.
“The Salvation Army do a lot for poor people and me happy for that,” she added.
Major Nana Boakye-Agyemang, divisional commander of The Salvation Army stated that the organisation loved people “dearly”.
“You are an integral part of our mission, and that is why we value you so much,” he added.
He told The Gleaner that on December 20, the organisation’s other locations would begin distributing hampers.
‘Simple’ but effective
Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Delroy Williams, who was also in attendance, said that one of his greatest joys as mayor was to be able to execute some of the most “simple” but effective works within communities that would positively affect the daily lives of citizens.
He further commended the work of The Salvation Army and for being rooted in community service and God’s love.
Debra Lopez-Spence, director of the Scotiabank Jamaica Foundation (SJF), remarked that the foundation remained committed to offering support to organisations that focus on improving the well-being and quality of life for individuals and families.
She highlighted that their recent donation of $3 million to the Salvation Army was done to support the expansion of the organisation’s outreach programmes, which particularly targeted children and youth in need and the Salvation Army school for the blind and visually impaired.
“The Christmas season is a time of joy, love, and giving. However, for many families facing financial hardships, it can be particularly challenging, and that is why our partnership with the Salvation Army holds such a significant meaning for us at Scotiabank. We believe that everyone deserves to experience the warmth and happiness that the holiday season brings,” she said, noting that this was one of the many reasons why they continued to provide financial support to the Salvation Army on an annual basis.