Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Drive seeks to raise $16m

The Salvation Army has charged Jamaicans to surpass its $16-million target for this year's Christmas Kettle appeal. The Salvation Army is appealing to Jamaicans from all walks of life to get involved in the alleviation of poverty by giving double portion to this year's fundraiser. This is the 16th year of partnership with Scotiabank, which opened the Kettle drive with their contribution of $1 million.

The Salvation Army is aiming to assist approximately 12,000 families this Christmas and provide over 3,000 food hampers for those in need. New divisional commander for the Eastern Jamaica Division, Major Oral Morris, expressed appreciation for the continued support from the public that has enabled the charitable organisation to assist thousands through their social and welfare outreach efforts during the year.

Morris urged all Jamaicans to consider their brothers during the season and give as generously as they can whenever they see the Salvation Army officers.

In 2016, the Army surpassed their $15-million target, raising almost $18-million in donations and, as a result, were able to assist 15,000 persons last Christmas with personal-care products, Christmas food hampers, cooked meals and other provisions.

In addition, 24 institutions were visited and numerous treats organised for senior citizens and children. Persons who experienced loss due to flooding caused by the heavy rains in St Ann, Clarendon, St Catherine and Portland earlier in the year were also beneficiaries, receiving almost $2 million in relief supplies, including new mattresses, bed frames, school clothing, back-to-school supplies and food hampers.

AVID SUPPORTER

In one of his first duties as president and chief executive officer of the Scotia Group, David Noel was on hand to start the Kettle Drive with a cheque of $1million. Scotiabank facilitates the Christmas Kettle launch in territories across the region and is an avid supporter of giving back. Through their numerous corporate social responsibility initiatives, Scotiabank has assisted many in the areas of sports, education and health.

Noel lauded the 140-year-old entity for its continued focus on alleviating poverty across the island. "We commend the Salvation Army for the tremendous work they have been doing as they continue to care for the most vulnerable in our society and societies across the world", he said.

Most recently the bank donated US$500,000 towards the hurricane relief efforts in many of our neighbouring islands. "We need all the help we can get, because the need is great. We hope that with your donations, we can extend our reach to impact greater numbers of the needy in the upcoming year," Major Morris said.

The 2017 Christmas Kettle Drive runs from November 3 to December 24. Salvation Army officers with their bright red kettles and clanging bells will be outside many business places encouraging donations. Contributions can also be made online by transferring money directly into the Salvation Army account number 2850331 at the Scotiabank Centre, downtown Kingston.