As part of their outreach efforts during the 2019 yuletide season, Coosal’s Group of Companies has partnered with the Salvation Army Kettle Appeal to donate 1,000 food hampers needy and underprivileged families across T&T.
By 6 am yesterday, hundreds of women, some with their kids and grandchildren in tow, lined upper Henry Street in Port-of-Spain, waiting to be screened and selected to receive a hamper which was valued at over $500 each.
Even though members were informed more than a week ago that the annual hamper distribution would officially begin at 10 am, many opted to come out early despite the threatening clouds and occasional drizzle.
Refusing to let the intermittent rainfall overshadow the spirit of giving, former First Lady Zalayhar Hassanali joyfully explained, “Every year we do this with funding from The Kettle and generous donors to help us purchase the items to go into the bags to be distributed.”
“This year, the Coosal’s Group of Companies gave us a really huge donation and for that, we are so grateful because we try to give the families as much as we can to help them for the Christmas season.”
Indicating the hamper distribution began yesterday, Hassanali said it would continue at selected centres throughout the weekend.
“We don’t count dollars and cents. We just want them to be happy and comfortable and know we care for them, and for them to have that Christ-like spirit in them,” she added.
Delivering brief remarks, Group Executive Chairman, Coosal’s Group of Companies, Sieunarine Coosal said he was humbled by the opportunity to join with the Salvation Army to bring joy and relief to those most in need of help this Christmas.
He urged the rest of corporate T&T to dig deep and also get into the spirit of giving as he said, “The Christmas season, also internationally known as the season of giving, is where almost everyone is filled with hope, faith and love. At minimum, once for the year at this time, those persons who are able to extend a helping hand…do so unconditionally.”
He also had a word of advice for the recipients.
He said, “As the Army extends their loving and caring arms to you, receive today, as a start to improve the quality of your life and you can pay it forward and be a blessing in the very near future to someone equally in need.”
Divisional Commander for the Salvation Army in T&T, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Major Joliker Leandre said hamper distributions were also scheduled to take place at Charlotte Street; Sangre Grande; and San Fernando.
Claiming that they do not discriminate against anyone requesting help, Leandre pointed to the large numbers seated under two white canvas tents and the larger group that swarmed the entrance as he said, “The majority are senior citizens but we do have some young mothers who come to us and we can’t turn them away.”
Having only arrived in T&T in September, Leandre said he would spend the next three years helping locals.
Confirming yesterday was his first time witnessing such an outpouring of generosity from the corporate sector, Leandre vowed to continue the good work the Salvation Army is known for internationally.
Even though many of the recipients declined to speak on the record, they all extended heartfelt gratitude to the organizers and sponsors for their generosity at Christmas, as a few admitted they did not have the money to purchase groceries ahead of the December holiday.