Scotiabank Gives to Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Appeal

Friday, November 8, 2013 2013 - The annual Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Appeal was launched today at the Scotia Centre, downtown Kingston with the aim of raising money to assist needy families. Scotiabank's contribution to the Salvation Army this season is $1.3M. One million dollars to the Salvation Army Eastern Division Kettle Appeal and $300,000 to the Salvation Army Western Division Kettle Appeal.

"We give because we believe in the work of the Salvation Army and are confident in the visible, practical ways they make a positive difference in people's lives," said Jacqueline Sharp, President and CEO of Scotiabank.

Dozens of members of the Salvation Army volunteer corps will be positioned with kettles outside the doors of Scotiabank branches as well as at supermarkets, clothing stores and many other business entities to receive donations on behalf of the thousands people it serves during the holidays. The volunteers are well known and easily recognized by their uniform, pleasant disposition and the accompaniment of a jingling bell. The donations received by the Salvation Army go towards assisting more than 10,000 families, the elderly shut-in, and the homeless.

"There are more people in need of help this year, so we continue to seek support and encourage everyone to give. For many families, the situation is dire so they look forward to our assistance, which is only possible through the generous contributions of fellow Jamaicans," said Major Stanley Griffin – Divisional Commander for Eastern Jamaica Division.

Scotiabank also launched the Give Good Grocery Drive and have encouraged donations of dried food items to the Salvation Army. Food items are essential as they are used to create care packages and assist with the Salvation Army's feeding programme. Throughout December, barrels will be placed in a number of supermarkets across the island including Michi, Empire Supermarket in Ligunea, and Losushan in Barbican. To get the ball rolling, ScotiaVolunteers donated more than 130 boxes of groceries.

Major Griffin welcomed this initiative because of the far reaching benefit: "When a family gets a food parcel, many other people benefit. Sometimes families save the items for January for back to school time, so children can have something to eat. This is Scotiabank's 12th year of supporting the Kettle Drive and hosting the launch. Salvation Army has been in Jamaica for 125 and the kettle tradition, recognized worldwide, has continued for 21 years.