Traditionally, Christmas is known as the season of goodwill. In a world where commerce, technology and the profit factor are taking a larger part in everyone's lives, it is comforting to know that there are still organisations out there that truly care for those in need.

In Bermuda, the local branch of The Salvation Army, founded in 1865, stands out as one of the most productive groups of its kind. To them, the holiday season is more than just a time for spending money on those you know -- it is a time when helping those that you don't know is important also. In fact, the Army tries its best to maintain this attitude all the year round. Their mission statement says that one of the main purposes is "act(ing) out of the love of God and in a practical concern for the needs of humanity''. This objective can be clearly seen in the determined faces of those who devote their lives to the organisation.

One of the places where this tenacity is most obvious is at the Harbour Light residential substance recovery centre on King Street in Hamilton. Shadow Minister for Health and Social Services Nelson Bascome is the Programme Director there. He said, "Christmas is very much a family time. What we try to do during this season is help forge new relationships between our clients and their families.'' The Executive Director of Harbour Light, Major David Goulding, said that there would be a chapel service on Sunday for the clients and on Monday there would be a Christmas Dinner for in-house residents.

Both men explained that, although the centre is funded mostly by the Salvation Army and the National Drug Commission, there are a large amount of donations made by the general public, especially during the holidays. When asked about Harbour Light's goals for 1998, Mr. Bascome replied, "Firstly, I think that we need to show people exactly what the wealth of the centre is and in what ways it benefits the country. Secondly, we would like to find a new home for the centre. We need a place that can accommodate more residents. Finally, I would just like to find a rehabilitation process that is directed at the full recovery of the male addict.

"The course that we have now consists of a number of components. The main ones are basic education, anger management, family therapy, relapse prevention, bible studies and both individual and group counselling. We help people to learn how to help themselves.

"We have existed for a year and a half now on the edge of Hamilton, in an area that is both both business and residential. None of our neighbours would say a negative word against us because we exist in a co-operative manner.

Everyone appreciates our presence here because we lend a helping hand whenever necessary.'' Major Goulding, who is an ordained priest, explained that "I joined the Salvation Army because all of my life I have had a desire to help people and change their lives for the better. I want to show people what the grace of God can do.'' Noting that the emergency shelter on Parsons Road is able to accommodate 97 people, Major Goulding observed that "this is temporary accommodation but quite a few of the men have been there for some time. Many of them don't really want to leave. Most of them do have families but, for one reason or another, stay away from their families by choice.'' Nelson Bascome also stated his reasons for joining Harbour Light. "I had been a counsellor for 17 years beforehand, and over that time, I had noticed that Bermuda did not really have a concerted effort that tried to help substance addicts turn their lives around. The Salvation Army recognised this need and started Harbour Light. When I heard that they were looking for a Programme Director, I realised it was a job that would take advantage of my skills to their full extent.'' Major Wilson Noble is the Divisional Secretary for Business Administration in the Salvation Army. Among other things, he is one of the organisers of the Christmas hampers programme. This is a scheme which aims to fill hundreds of hampers with donated foodstuffs and then give them to needy families. The Major explained that he had been with the Salvation Army for a good part of his life. He said, "At the end of the day, nothing beats the great satisfaction that comes from helping those who are in need, whether the work is on the front lines or in administration.

"I would like to express my appreciation to all those volunteers and donors who contributed so graciously. This is just the sort of encouragement that we need and we are happy to act as the medium which connects the general public and those people who are in need.'' He explained what the Army had planned for the 24th and 25th.

"On Christmas Eve there will be two Salvation Army bands serenading different parts of the Island for the entire night. On Christmas Day lunch is being served at the emergency shelter on Parsons Road. This is primarily for residents and homeless people. There was already a complimentary dinner for needy people on the 11th. This was possible thanks to the help of the Elbow Beach Hotel who prepared the food.'' MAJOR WILSON NOBLE