Salvation Army Seeks $100,000 for Christmas Relief

A dollar may not seem like much, but inside a red kettle, it can help put food on a table or a gift under a Christmas tree. The Salvation Army launched its annual kettle drive today with a one-hundred-thousand-dollar target to support more than a thousand children, families and seniors. The rain delayed the launch, but it could not dampen the spirit of giving. Benita Keme-Palacio reports.

 

Benita Keme-Palacio, Reporting

The rain slowed things down, but the familiar sound of Christmas eventually rang through the streets of Belize City. The Salvation Army has launched its Red Kettle Campaign, aiming to raise a hundred thousand dollars for Christmas meals, toys and vouchers for more than one thousand Belizeans in need. For Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir, the kettle is more than a collection pot. It represents hope for people struggling to make ends meet.

 

Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir, District Officer, Salvation Army

“When you look at the Salvation Army Kettle, don’t just see the small pot, but see the big hope it carries. Whenever you give, bear in your mind, you support a child; you support a family that is struggling. Your donation is meaningful. Don’t say that, ‘okay, I am not rich’. You don’t have to be rich to make a difference. You just need a willing heart to care for others. We are expecting that you will come and support the Salvation Army.”

 

The first boost came from the Belize City Council, which contributed five hundred dollars to kick-start the campaign. Councilor Stephanne Hamilton urged the public to follow that example and give whatever they can.

 

Stephanne Hamilton, Councilor, Belize City Council

“I kindly appeal to the public that whenever you see the pot, if you notice the pot is red, it’s about love, hope, and joy. So, I ask the community to kindly donate.”

 

Throughout the Christmas season, shoppers and passers-by will find the kettles at supermarkets, businesses and other busy locations. Confirmed collection points include Brodies, Publics Supermarket, Angelous Press, Golden Bay, Save U Supermarket and the Tourism Village.

 

Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir

“Well, right now, we have the Brodies, the Publics Supermarket on Northern Highway and Boulevard. We have Angelous Press. And we have Golden Bay, Save U Supermarket, and Tourism Village. We have many places, actually, we are trying to target. And we have some as well. We asked, but they don’t say yes yet.”

 

The target is ambitious, but the message is simple: no donation is too small. One dollar, multiplied by thousands of willing donors, can help provide a meal, a toy or some much-needed relief this Christmas. Rain or shine, the bells will keep ringing. The Salvation Army now hopes Belizeans will hear the call and help fill those kettles with more than spare change. Benita Keme-Palacio for News Five.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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