The Tribune

THE season of goodwill starts today - with The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Kettle campaign.

The familiar ‘Red Kettles’ were due to make their seasonal debut at 10.30am at the Mall at Marathon food court.

The campaign supports the mission of the organisation and provides support to a number of programmes including meals for needy individuals and families, toys and clothing for disadvantaged children, personal care products for the elderly and institutionalised, and vital funding for year round programmes.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band and The Uriah McPhee Primary School Choir were due to feature today.

Last year, through the Red Kettle Campaign, more than $100,000 was donated to support The Salvation Army’s programmes and services.

This year, Divisional Commander Lester Ferguson is asking the community to give just as much and maybe even a little bit more.

“We need all the help we can get, because the need is great. We hope that people understand that,” Ferguson said, On hand to help launch the Kettle Melanie Griffin, Minister of Labour & Social Development and Geoff Houston, CEO, Bahamas Telecommunications Company, were also due this morning.

The 2012 Christmas Kettle Campaign runs from November 24 to December 24.

The bright red kettles can be seen outside many business places including Phil’s Food Services, Super Value food stores, Kelly’s, Quality Super Markets, Q-Club, Furniture Plus, De Sol Island Shop, Lowe’s Pharmacies, Nassau Arcade, Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank, Solomon’s Wholesale, Solomon’s Fresh Food Markets, Quality Home Centre, CBS Bahamas, Bookworld, Mall At Marathon, Town Centre Mall and John Bull.

Volunteers are always needed to help ring the bells and staff the kettles. Families, social service clubs and youth groups often volunteer together. “Christmastime brings out the best in people,” said Ferguson.

“People want to give. They want to be a part of something greater than themselves.”

Persons or businesses wishing to donate funds or volunteer time should call The Salvation Army on 393-2340 or mail in donations to: The Salvation Army, Bahamas Divisional Headquarters, 31 Mackey Street, PO Box N-205, Nassau.