Salvation Army – By Deslyn A Joseph
Salvation Army Shatters Fundraising
The Salvation Army of Antigua and Barbuda has officially surpassed its longstanding financial benchmarks, signaling a robust start to the 2026 administrative year.
Following earlier projections from the Advisory Board that the annual Red Kettle Drive typically generates between $150,000 and $170,000, new data released by District Finance Officer Captain Shernette Lubin reveals a record-breaking surge in public generosity, with the latest initiative raising a total of $211,000.
This $41,000 surplus above the traditional high-end estimate comes at a critical time for the organization. Board President Sharon Brusch had previously identified 2026 as a year for deepening social impact, specifically through the proposed launch of a new scholarship fund. The stronger than expected financial position provides a solid foundation for this educational goal, which moved from a loose suggestion to a top priority during a recent Board retreat.
The updated figures also reflect a response to an unprecedented spike in community need.
“The organization had to increase its holiday distribution from 900 bags in the previous year to over 1200 parcels this season. This increase was driven by a wave of new faces at the Army’s doors, including employed individuals who are struggling to manage the rising cost of living. Despite these pressures, the surplus ensures that the Army can maintain its 17 percent safety balance to keep year-round programs like Meals on Wheels operational,” she explained.
Structurally, the Advisory Board continues to strengthen its foot-soldier approach to ministry. While the board remains a compact body of 11 members, their ability to solicit donations from supermarkets and caterers has successfully kept community outreach costs low. This fiscal discipline, combined with the 24 percent cap on social administration costs reported by Captain Lubin, ensures that the bulk of the record $211,000 is funnelled directly into social services.
As the board prepares for its first official meeting of 2026, the focus has shifted from mere sustainability to expansion. With the financial success of the Kettle Drive now confirmed, the board is positioned to finalize the logistics of the scholarship fund. This initiative is designed to offer a permanent pathway for academic advancement, fulfilling President Brusch’s vision of creating initiatives that leave a lasting social impact rather than just temporary relief.
The Salvation Army notes that while the financial targets have been bypassed, the human target remains the priority. As they look toward the remainder of 2026, the combination of professional board oversight and record-breaking public support has positioned the organization to help more families than ever before, including the working poor who have increasingly sought their assistance.
The board is comprised of a distinguished group of high-profile civilian figures and four dedicated Army officers to include legal expert Hollis Francis and philanthropists Yousef Michael and Ehret Burton. They serve alongside Senator Shawn Nicholas, Valerie Gonsalves-Barreiro, and Brusch.
Professional leadership is further provided by Major Jean Raymoncil Pierre (District Officer), Major Elmina Pierre (District Director of Women’s Ministries), Captain Osner Lubin (District Youth and Candidates Secretary), and Captain Shernette Lubin (District Finance Officer).
