Salvation Army targets $2m

Anastasia Cunningham, Staff Reporter

The Salvation Army is hoping to raise $2 million from this year's silent auction and fund-raising banquet, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, last Wednesday night.

So far, the charity organisation has raised $800,000 from the silent auction which including gift certificates, jewellery, paintings, books, a weekend for two and BlackBerry phones.

Public relations officer of the Salvation Army, Merlene Blackford, told The Gleaner that all items offered at the auction were purchased.

"Overall, it was a success; we had a full house. The support was pretty good. Each year we get more support as people realise the good work of the Salvation Army," Blackford said

She added, "We are so grateful to everyone for their support and donating the things for the auction. Given the financial crisis a lot of people and companies are going through right now, we really are grateful. We are already looking forward to next year."

Hosted by the Salvation Army's Advisory Board Eastern Jamaica Division, several dignitaries packed the ballroom of the hotel for the $5,000 per plate dinner.

Lieutenant Colonel Lindsay Rowe, chief secretary of the Salvation Army Caribbean Territorial Headquarters, saluted the advisory board for a successful event.

"May God bless you as you continue to function as the wheel in the middle of the wheel, the army within the army, supporting and advising us to the very best of your ability. We appreciate you and all that you do," he said.

Compassion

In his address, Major Stanley Griffin, Eastern Jamaica Divisional Commander, said: "Compassion is more than a feeling of pity, compassion is what we feel when we see others suffer and are motivated to alleviate their suffering.

"Over the last 12 months, the Salvation Army Eastern Division, with a heart of compassion, was able to continue and develop its work as we face the realities of poverty in the eyes of those who come knocking at our doors on a daily basis."

Griffin said they were able to reach out to those in need across the island through various programmes, and is hoping that everyone would join hands to make a difference in touching lives.

According to Griffin, he is looking for new donors coming on board to help fund the many initiatives of the Salvation Army.

One of the Army's success stories, Abodon Barrett, shared how the organisation helped him turn his life around.

After growing up at a Salvation Army orphanage in Jamaica from a tender age, the young man is now a world-renowned executive chef, having worked in the hotel industry and with the Disney Cruise Line.

He is now the chief executive officer of Home Cooking Services Ltd and sits on the board of directors of one of the largest tour companies in Jamaica, JCAL Tours.

"Born to a mentally ill mom, who was unable to carry out her responsibility, I was placed in the hands of the Salvation Army at an early age. I spent 17 years in the care of The Salvation Army, and I did enjoy it," shared Barrett.

He said as he got older he realised that there was something fundamental about the Salvation Army: the principals that were taught were clearly guided by biblical foundation.

shaping young people

According to Barrett by the time he reached age 18, the Salvation Army had equipped him with the necessary spiritual, moral, ethical, social, principles and survival skills that he needed to make it in the world.

"It is this engraving of principles and teachings that today has allowed me to accomplish much. Thanks to the work of the Salvation Army, because it has shaped me into the man of integrity that I am today," said Barrett.

The Salvation Army, in Jamaica is 124 years old, with the Eastern Jamaica Division serving as one of the flagship divisions in the Caribbean territory.

There are 33 Salvation Army officers/ministers of religion in the island, ministering in 22 churches in seven parishes.

Among the many programmes offered are seven early-childhood education centres and five social institutions. They employ 85 persons.

anastasia.cunningham@gleanerjm.com