Joseph Cunningham, Gleaner Writer
This woman from the Salvation Army was seen bathing this homeless man at the back of the St. William Grant Park, downtown Kingston, recently. - CARLINGTON WILMOT/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
GOODWILL ORGANISATION, the Salvation Army, is among this year's recipients of the prestigious Gleaner Honour Awards in the category Voluntary Service.
With its motto 'Heart to God and Hand to Man', the England-based Salvation Army came to Jamaica on December 15,1887, with its mission to 'save souls, grow saints and to help suffering humanity' superseding race, colour and creed.
Major Devon Haughton, the divisional commander of the organisation's activities in eastern Jamaica, beamed with joy as he referred to the nomination. "I am very excited," he said. "The contribution of the Salvation Army to Jamaica is very profound. Take the Salvation Army from Jamaica and it will be missed."
Mr. Haughton is thankful to the Jamaican public for its support, and assured that the funds the public donates are never misused.
In keeping with its mandate to embark on projects that socially edify the community, the organisation this year embarked on three major projects. It offers 52 educational scholarships for inner-city children, a drug rehabilitation programme and a residential and street feeding programme, for six days each week (700 meals each day).
REFORMATION PROGRAMME
Captain Reuben Phillips, administrator for the drug rehabilitation
programme, said that under this programme, cocaine, marijuana and alcohol addicts undergo six months of reformation.
Among the eight symbols that identify the organisation is the Red Shield, which is worn on the left breast by each officer. One of the most recognisable symbols, the shield represents the shelter the organisation provides for people in need of help, whether it be spiritual, physical, financial or emotional.
