Monica Bodden reporting
It was a festive atmosphere this morning in front of the First Caribbean Bank -as the Salvation Army band ushered in the Christmas spirit with their trumpets and saxophones blowing some of the most sweet-sounding Christmas melodies. It was the launch of the Annual Salvation Army Red Kettle appeal.

Major Joliker Leandre - Regional Commander
"This is an annual event and the motivation behind it is to help those who are less fortunate than we are throughout Belize and throughout the world no matter how far you will see the Christmas Kettle of the Salvation Army. The public will always donate, will always give something. We have a number of Christmas activities but they are all ongoing programs, so the gifts given to the Salvation Army are not only for the Christmas period but it's for the year."

The Kettle Appeal initiative had a jump start this morning - when the First Caribbean International Bank handed over a cheque of 15 thousand dollars. It is the bank's second year of contributing towards the worthy cause.

Glenn Smith, Country Manager, First Caribbean International Bank
"There is a Christmas ballad which that describes this holiday season Christmas as one of the most wonderful time of the year. At CIBC First Caribbean we are determine to give back to the society and to the markets in which we operate. 2012 has been a challenging year for the bank but in spite of the challenges we continue to honor our commitment of giving back to the society and so this year is no exception as we make this the second year we are partnering with the Salvation Army in Belize in its Christmas Kettle program."

"In fact our involvement started last year and we were impressed with the spread of joy that it brought to the less fortunate in the society at this most special time of the year. It was truly an experience and one that made a difference in our communities."

And as the event kicked off, the donations began pouring in a little at a time. Mayor Darryl Bradley was one of the first in line to make a contribution towards the Kettle Appeal.

Mayor Darrell Bradley
"It is indeed an honor for me to be here to bid greetings at this launch of the kettle program. When I think about the Salvation Army church and their contribution - the thing that immediately comes to my mind is faith in action. The Salvation Army has really demonstrated their commitment to social services - to the development and advancement of our community through their great works and every single day they demonstrate their love of Jesus Christ through their efforts to serve his creation and so i want to pay a special tribute and thank you to the Salvation Army church in Belize on behalf of my councilors and on behalf of residents of Belize City. Their community and their church has uplifted our city for years and I know their presence and their commitment will only continue and it will increase."

This year's target for the Red Kettle Appeal is eighty thousand dollars. The Salvation Army is asking for everyone's assistance in helping them meet their goal.

Major Joliker Leandre - Regional Commander
"We are looking at around $80,000. Because, really, the program of the Salvation Army is tremendous."

Reporter
"What was your goal last year and did you meet it?"

Major Joliker Leandre - Regional Commander
"Last year it was the same, $80,000. We have been able to meet it in kind and in cash. When we look at it in terms of donation we have added almost everything. The public has been very supportive to our program so we can accomplish as far as this is concern. But it's an every year thing,"

And the monies will be used to spread goodwill and cheer to many less fortunate families across the country during the Christmas season.

Major Joliker Leandre - Regional Commander
"We have food parcels distribution that will be done throughout the city and also George Ville area; the North side Regent Street, Cemetery Road, over 500 senior citizens will receive food parcels. In addition to that we also have Christmas children's party which is usually held on the second Thursday in December - there we will have the children and also the Governor General will be our main guest for this event, so we look forward for that. Letters have been sent to all the schools and they are the ones who have identified the children and forward the list to us."