Salvation Army lends helping hand to CRH

Western Bureau:The Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, last Friday benefited from the generosity of the western Jamaica arm of the Salvation Army as the charitable organisation presented the hospital with just over $2 million in medical supplies.

"We are very appreciative of this kind gesture. It will go a long way in helping us to provide quality health care for our clients," said Keriesa Cummings, the hospital's procurement officer. "We are facing challenging times financially, so we are thankful for any support we get."

The supplies, which were presented to hospital officials by Major Darrel Wilkinson, the Salvation Army's regional director, and Omar Robinson, included syringes, needles, and disposable gowns, among other medical items.

The supplies originated as a gift from the International Children's Awareness of Canada organisation.

GIFT FOR WESTERN JAMAICA

"The Salvation Army will be celebrating 125 years of ministry in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean from November 16-18, so we thought it quite appropriate that this part of the country receive such a gift for its people," said Wilkinson. "This is where the Salvation Army commenced its work 125 years ago."

Interestingly, it was not only the generosity of the Salvation Army and International Children's Awareness group in Canada that came to the fore in this instance as the local Customs authorities and ZIM Carib Star Shipping, which transported the supplies to Jamaica, waived all charges.