His Worship the Mayor of Douglas Councillor Ritchie McNicholl JP., has visited the Salvation Army Citadel in Lord Street to attend a rehearsal in advance of the charity’s Christmas concert at the Villa Marina on Sunday December 11 being held to raise funds to help the Island’s vulnerable and needy. Captain Carolyn Clampton said that more than 1200 people in the Island would be receiving a gift of some kind from the Salvation Army this Christmas and explained that thanks to the generosity of the people of the Isle of Man toys have been provided for more than 320 children and food vouchers or food parcels are to be distributed to almost 550 family units. She explained: ‘We are able to respond to the requests from the various agencies that refer individuals and families to us because of the generosity of the people of the island. The Isle of Man Bank has been working hard to ensure that there are easy collection points for toys and their backroom staff have also been helping in this appeal. We’re now in the process of gathering these toys together at The Salvation Army Citadel in Lord Street where they will be wrapped then collected by representatives from the various referral agencies to ensure that the most vulnerable and needy people on our island receive help this Christmas. Shoprite has also generously donated a considerable amount towards the cost of food vouchers and gifts. This, together with monetary donations from businesses and members of the public, means that we are not only able to respond to needs at Christmas but also throughout the year.’ Captain Clampton added: ‘The Christmas celebration at the Villa Marina on Sunday December 11, sponsored by Tower insurance, is an opportunity not only to allow individuals to contribute financially to our appeal but perhaps, more importantly, an opportunity to remind people of the real message of Christmas; the message of Jesus being born and bringing joy, love and peace to a world which is so often troubled and distressed.’ The Salvation Army Christmas carol concert takes place in the Royal Hall at the Villa Marina on Sunday December 11 at 2.30pm. ENDS