After a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19 health restrictions, the Salvation Army held its annual Christmas luncheon at its Reed Street headquarters on Wednesday.
Divisional Commander for the Salvation Army Major Robert Pile told Barbados TODAY that he was thrilled to be able to mix and mingle and serve the less fortunate as it showed them how important they were to the community.
During the luncheon, 400 people feasted on rice, macaroni pie, baked chicken, turkey and ham, with ice cream for dessert and juice.
During COVID-19, Christmas lunches were distributed in sealed containers to recipients who would collect them and leave the facility.
“Since the restrictions are no longer applicable, we have decided to go back to what we normally used to do, where the persons come, sit and we serve them,” said the divisional commander, while volunteers from the Salvation Army advisory board, Barbados Christian Council, citizens and corporate sponsors served lunch.
“I prefer it this way because it makes the recipients feel special. They are special because they are human beings like all of us and they deserve to be treated that way. That is why we have the tables well decorated and have music playing in the background. We want to let them know that they are not forgotten, that they are human beings who deserve the cheer, love and joy that comes with Christmas and they should not be left out due to their circumstances. So we are very much thankful that we are able to do this for them.”
Though he noted that there has been a slight decline in sponsorship, Pile said the charity was grateful for the support it received and ensured that the funds and items donated went a long way to meet the needs of people in trying circumstances.
Giving an update on the Salvation Army’s Christmas kettle appeal drive, Pile said the $500 000 mark was reached in its goal of raising $850 000.
“We are making slow progress but progress nonetheless,” he said. “We are not oblivious of the economic situation that everybody is enduring and this would have reflected in the giving.”
(SZB)
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