President Donald Ramotar pledged government’s continued support to the Salvation Army Drug Rehabilitation Centre, at the charity’s first gala fundraising dinner on Saturday evening at the Georgetown Club.
Officials hope that the gala dinner will become an annual feature of its activities.
Advisory Board Chairman Edward Boyer was pleased with the turnout at the event and the support given by the government over the years, a press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.
“Through its Christmas appeal via the kettles, the Salvation Army has been able to raise funds and channel proceeds to worthy causes. Last year the proposed $18M Men’s Social Centre Refurbishment project was approved. Government also injected $10M towards the drug rehab programme,” GINA said.
Ramotar was a specially invited guest at the dinner which featured a skit performed by occupants of the Centre. In his remarks, Ramotar said saving the life of a drug addict is one aspect of fighting the drug scourge. He also noted the importance of prevention and awareness about the dangers of drug addiction, adding that education is very important in this regard.
The Salvation Army is an international movement that operates in over 120 countries worldwide.
Its primary objective is to provide charity and the Christmas appeal is one of several avenues through which the organisation generates funds.
