With the holiday season fast-approaching, administrators at the Salvation Army anticipate that even more regulars and newcomers will depend on its assistance this year.

This was revealed recently as the organisation accepted a $5,000 donation from CIBC FirstCaribbean to its Red Shield Family Services Programme aimed at helping the organisation feed the increased number of families and individuals who will visit its doors in the weeks to come.

“Our Feeding Programme is a part of the Red Shield Family Services Programme, which also provides clothing and assistance in meeting basic home, medical, and educational needs. Individuals and families can also receive counselling, referral services, and encouragement and support to help them through life’s challenges,” said Melanese Coakley, the Salvation Army’s Public Relations Manager.

“Since 1931 the Army has provided thousands of individuals and families with meals and grocery items through its feeding centres in Nassau and Grand Bahama. More than 300 meals are prepared and served each week with an average of 200 parcels of groceries given to families. The Feeding Programme Centres are supported by corporate Bahamas, small businesses and the general public, who provide financial or in-kind donations to help the Army see to it that no one in need  goes without a meal.”

While many celebrate this festive season by feasting on large meals together, others among us have little to eat and need regular support.

“For many, the holidays tend to be a time of overindulgence, when people joke about packing on the pounds. We’re aware, however, that there is a major societal disparity that can easily be ignored or forgotten with all the hustle and bustle that this time of year brings. While some families are giving each other gifts and enjoying huge meals together, many people just can’t afford anything extra or special,” said Marie Rodland-Allen, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Managing Director for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.

“They don’t have the comfort of a warm meal to look forward to. We’re putting the Christmas spirit into action through our donation to the Salvation Army and are proud to be able to consistently support such an important organisation,” she added.

Recent storms have left the Army’s resources spread thin, said Major Clarence Ingram, Divisional Manager for the Salvation Army in The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. "We’re very thankful for the support of CIBC FirstCaribbean. Since hurricanes Irma & Maria, the Feeding Program has extended assistance to those in shelters not only from Nassau but also from the Family Islands. Meeting these additional needs has created a severe shortfall of funds.  – more

“In recent days we have been struggling to find a way to continue to assist people in need. This donation is very timely,” he said.

The administrative offices for The Salvation Army are located at 31 Mackey Street, Nassau. All programmes and services rendered in The Bahamas are coordinated from this location. Anyone seeking help or willing to make a donation can do so there.

Salvation Army staff gave CIBC FirstCaribbean employees a tour of their Feeding Centre and other programme facilities during a recent visit to its headquarters. Left to right: Major Vernitta Hepburn, Salvation Army Divisional Social Services Secretary, Bahamas Division; Marie Rodland-Allen, CIBC FirstCaribbean Managing Director, Bahamas and TCI; and Major Clarence Ingram, Salvation Army Divisional Commander, Bahamas and TCI Division.

About CIBC FirstCaribbean
CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank is a relationship-bank offering a full range of market-leading financial services through our Corporate and Investment Banking, Retail, Business & International Banking and Wealth Management segments. We are located in 17 countries around the Caribbean, providing the banking services through approximately 3,000 employees, in 80 branches and offices. CIBC FirstCaribbean is a member of the CIBC Group of Companies. For more information about CIBC FirstCaribbean, visit www.cibcfcib.com

About CIBC
CIBC is a leading Canadian-based global financial institution with 11 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. Across Personal and Small Business Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets businesses, CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services through its leading digital banking network, and locations across Canada, in the United States and around the world. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC can be found at www.cibc.com/en/about-cibc/media-centre.html.