Salvation Army dances up $22m
Published:Friday | June 25, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Patrina Pink, Gleaner Intern
The Pegasus Ballroom sparkled on Monday night as hundreds turned out for the Salvation Army gala and silent bid.
The annual event, originally scheduled for earlier this year, had to be postponed as the civil unrest in parts of Kingston and St Andrew threatened the Army's bread-and-butter event.
However, not even the Christopher 'Dudus' Coke saga and the accompanying state of emergency could stop the Christian organisation from mobilising its large and impressive network of local and international businessmen, the diplomatic corps and humanitarians from celebrating the work of the group and its success in providing help to the people of Haiti still struggling to recover from the January 12 earthquake.
Persons were asked to bid on artwork and practical appliances donated by private and public groups. The funds will be used to finance the group's initiatives for the year.
The Salvation Army Jamaica raised a whopping $22 million in aid of the challenged country, with the majority of that sum originating from Jamaican businessmen and everyday citizens.
Stronger connection
The Salvation Army Jamaica Eastern Division's commissioner, Major Kervin Harry, said the Haitian crisis was an opportunity for Jamaicans and Haitians to find deeper meanings in their connection.
"Jamaica and Haiti have always had a good relationship, this country has shown how kind it is. It's truly amazing to see how everyday Jamaicans care about other countries," said Harry.
His sentiments were echoed by Territorial Leader for the Salvation Army Caribbean, Haitian Edmane Castor.
"The Haitian people are truly grateful for the help given to them by Jamaicans. I have found that most Jamaicans are very generous," Castor remarked.
The Salvation Army has been operating in Jamaica for 123 years and has 88 offices and almost 180 employees across the island. They operate and are the sole providers for a school for blind and visually handicapped children in Jamaica. It also operates the William Chamberlain rehabilitation centre in Kingston with the assistance of the Ministry of National Security.