The Salvation Army has been lauded by the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, for its work in assisting the poor and vulnerable, over the years.
This came today as Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS) in the Ministry, Mark Franklin, spoke on behalf of Minister Kirk Humphrey, at the launch of the Salvation Army’s 2023 Christmas Kettle Appeal, at Golden Square Freedom Park, in The City.
“We acknowledge the good work that the Salvation Army is doing and continues to do, to assist some of the poorest and most vulnerable members of our society,” said Mr. Franklin, as he noted that in the face of challenges, the organisation continues to confidently march towards the achievement of its goals and objectives, while steadfastly adhering to its religious values and principles.
“The Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs thanks you, as you celebrate 125 years of service to Barbados. We consider you to be a treasured and valued stakeholder in the fight against poverty, and I use this forum to publicly request our private sector and our NGOs to follow the example of Scotiabank and help the Army attain its objective of $850,000.00,” he remarked.
Mr. Franklin praised the organisation’s ability to continue to manage its feeding centre; maintain its meals-on-wheels initiative; coordinate after-school and back-to-school programmes and manage its men’s hostel, and noted that the Ministry’s work and that of the Salvation Army’s were linked.
He stressed: “In reviewing some of your activities, it is clear that we have similar goals and objectives. We care deeply about our less fortunate brothers and sisters in society and we are passionate about giving them the help that they need, to not only lift themselves out of their current states, but to empower them and give them the wherewithal to move from a state of dependence, to one of independence.”
Those present heard that the Ministry was working towards its objective of assisting the poorest and the most vulnerable; had already taken the Child Protection legislation before a select Committee of Parliament and was hopeful of finally passing “the long awaited Child Protection legislation, by early next year”.
The DPS added that after multiple consultations and stakeholder meetings, Cabinet had just approved the National Policy on Ageing and to complement this policy, it intends to formulate Elderly Policy legislation to protect seniors.
He also highlighted the National Policy for Improving the Lives of Persons with Disabilities and the One Family Initiative, designed to empower members of 1000 vulnerable families.
Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, Paul Bernstein, sharing the report on the work of the organisation said: “The income from both the Kettles and Christmas Appeal Letters account for a substantial amount of our annual income which is absolutely essential for us to continue the good work of the Salvation Army throughout the coming year so that we can spread joy to others…”
He revealed that over 200 persons received educational books this year; 200 families received assistance for Back To School compared to 100 last year; 50 persons received furnishing compared to 46; 1,941 persons received clothing compared to 1,870 last year; and 5,300 families received food hampers throughout the year. He added that 300 hot meals are served daily, five days a week from their feeding centre, including from their Meals on Wheels initiative.
Noting that there are plans to also give Christmas gifts to children’s homes, senior citizens homes and the less fortunate, he said: “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a large increase among the less fortunate coming in for assistance, which has put more financial pressure on us as we try as much as possible to assist all those in need.”
Meanwhile, Manager, Premium Relationship Banking, Scotiabank, Carla Boyce, in commending the Kettle Programme, said her organisation remained proud to be participating annually.
“Poverty is the root cause of making access to every day needs like food clothing and shelter difficult. The Salvation Army provides hope to individuals and families who are dealing with food insecurity, homelessness; unemployment and mental health challenges,” she stated.
The Salvation Army has 11 units strategically placed across Barbados to impact the lives of individuals, families, and children.