St. George’s, Grenada, December 10, 2020. Major Sanches, an eighteen-year veteran of the Salvation Army received a surprise donation of $1500.00 USD for the organization’s cause, which sees a special fundraising drive in the lead up to the festive season.

Despite the challenging circumstances of 2020, the Salvation Army is still committed to donating their customary 200 hampers for the elderly to enjoy during the holiday season. The premises of the organization has always been to look after the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals. This is not based on a person’s background or religious beliefs, but on the humanitarian concept that to teach a person spiritually you must first make sure that they are not hungry, that they are clean and tidy, as cleanliness is next to godliness, and then have them in a position to be ready and receptive to scriptural guidance. Soup, Soap, Salvation!

As the country and the world have weathered a most unprecedented year, many  individuals and organisations, who have not suffered hardships to the same extent as their friends, neighbours and fellow Grenadians have chosen to spend funds normally set aside for holiday celebrations, on the less fortunate in the community.

Across its regional footprint CIBC FirstCaribbean, has decided to contribute a portion of funds normally used for Christmas activities for bank personnel and their families, to various organisations caring for the needy and underprivileged.

On receipt of the $4200.00ECD Major Sanches expressed his surprise and gratitude, saying; “I’m glad I’m sitting down! We had planned as usual to deliver 200 hampers to the elderly in our communities, but with this very generous donation, we will definitely be able to increase that number and give even more persons something to be glad for, as they realise the sacrifices others are willing to make for their well- being. We are extremely grateful to the bank staff for their willingness to give up something on behalf of those in need,” he said.

Mrs. Joanna Marryshow, Human Resources Support Officer for the bank said “the bank team is very much aware that many of us are in more fortunate circumstances than our fellow Grenadians. We are pleased at the initiative that has been agreed upon. The funds can now be used to give others who have traversed this long and challenging year a little taste of the seasonal spirit.”