Vincentians both at home and abroad are being encouraged to donate to the Salvation Army’s Kettle Appeal which officially begins today, November 12.

Major Ernest Gachelin (right), looks on as someone donates to the Salvation Army’s Kettle Appeal

The Kettle appeal takes place every year for the Army to raise funds to support their charitable ventures including the provision of food packages to the needy during the Christmas season.

Major Ernest Gachelin, head of the operations in St Vincent and the Grenadines told SEARCHLIGHT this week that funds donated also allow the Salvation Army to provide for persons throughout the year as well.

In fact, with donations from the 2020 Kettle Appeal, the Salvation Army was able to provide assistance to persons in shelters almost immediately after the start of the volcanic eruptions in April.

“That really helped. It’s not only during Christmas, it goes a long way. And even beyond that too; up to last week, up to this morning I believe we had given parcels to people…” Gachelin said on Wednesday.

For the past two years, the Salvation Army has set a target to raise $100,000 through its Kettle appeal but they have so far been unable to meet that target.

Gachelin said however, they do not intend to change the target this year, and are equally grateful for all the donations received.

The signature red kettle will be placed at several locations this year, including at Coreas Pharmacy, People’s Pharmacy, Massy Stores, Courts, Singer and Greaves supermarket at Arnos Vale.

The Major also said that they will be attempting to secure two other locations: at VINLEC and the CSWA in an effort to be more accessible to potential donors. But additional hands are needed as well.

“We do need volunteers… especially this time, we do need volunteers to come and assist us,” Gachelin said, acknowledging the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We do need help. Anybody who can come, you know, give us a day. But they have to let us know first so that we can arrange. We know, sometimes we get too many in one day, and sometimes we don’t get enough for the other days. So it will be good for us to know when the person is coming so we can arrange to see where to put that individual.

Major Germaine Gachelin thanked all Vincentians who have and continue to support the Salvation Army, particularly in these difficult times.

“The needs are still there. There are many people who are hungry, there are many people who are stressed out,” she said, adding that there are people who may have a job, but still need additional help because they are not making enough to cover all necessary expenses.

“There are people working for bills alone, for rent alone, for food alone. Sometimes you cannot buy the food when you finish paying bills.

So Vincy people, please, we are here again this year. Please support, whatever you can give, please do it.  Do not say that it’s small.

Small or big, when we put it all together it will do something. May God continue to bless you all and may God continue to bless this country,” she said.

Donations are also accepted via the Salvation Army’s CIBC FirstCaribbean Account: 2272265.

Persons are urged to indicate their willingness to donate this way so that the relevant follow ups can be done and a receipt provided.
Donations can also be dropped off at the Salvation Army Headquarters in Kingstown.