Governor General of Barbados, His Excellency Sir Elliott Belgrave, assisted by his Aide-De-Camp Captain Ashton Caddle, was on hand to assist with the distribution of Christmas Hampers at the Salvation Army. Here, he engages one of the appreciative recipients while Chairman of the Advisory Board, Paul Bernstein (center), Divisional Commander, Major Sinous Theodore and Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries, Major Marie Theodore look on.
By:
Regina Selman-Moore
In the true spirit of giving that depicts the Christmas season, The Salvation Army distributed between 800 to 1000 Christmas Hampers to the less fortunate who gathered on location yesterday at the Army’s Headquarters in Reed Street, Bridgetown, St. Michael to receive the much needed food items.
Divisional Commander, Major Sinous Theodore later revealed that 2 000 hampers were distributed in total, as other distribution centres were also set up at different points across the island for the benefit of those in need. Stressing that “the needs are increasing”, the Divisional Commander told the Barbados Advocate however that the Salvation Army had not fully reached its target in relation to the funds it customarily receives from corporate Barbados and the general public. He revealed that the Army was about $51 000 short this year, compared to the funds collected last year and, even so, last year’s total was slightly lower than the total for the previous year, he said. However, Theodore remained
appreciative of what was received to assist needy persons.
Governor General of Barbados, His Excellency Sir Elliott Belgrave was on hand to assist with the distribution of the Christmas Hampers, starting with the elderly first and he noted that he was delighted to be a part of the process.
“I am very pleased this year to assist with the distribution of hampers to the needy. This Christmas programme, which was introduced by the Army, is eagerly looked forward to by many persons at this time of year. These hampers consist of very useful food stuff and are very costly to purchase, so it costs the Army quite a lot of money to acquire (them),” he remarked, during his address.
He meanwhile thanked Barbadians from all walks of life who have to date contributed to the worthy cause and he urged those who have not yet contributed, to assist in any way they could.
“I also wish to thank corporate Barbados for assisting the Salvation Army at Christmas and I would ask them not to grow weary in well doing,” he further commented.
Acknowledging that there are many people in Barbados who are in need of assistance, Sir Elliott noted that whilst the Government spends large sums of money to help these persons, Government cannot do it alone. As such, he noted that he wanted to salute the many charities in Barbados doing work similar to the Salvation Army, to help those in need. (RSM)
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