Donation of Furnishings Marks the Beginning of a New Partnership for The Salvation Army in Bermuda
Collaborating with local businesses and organizations is essential for The Salvation Army to effectively meet the needs of the people they serve. A recent donation from a new hotel in Bermuda proves the positive impact community partnerships can have.
The Loren Hotels Group has donated furniture and household items to The Salvation Army in Bermuda, which will primarily support the Army’s shelter programs.
“Instead of throwing this stuff out, we wanted to give others a chance to use it.”
The hotel group is currently redeveloping the former Elbow Beach Hotel property into a new hospitality site. During an initial walkthrough of the location, members of the construction team noticed that furnishings in some rooms, such as beds, chairs and lamps had been left behind in good condition.
“Instead of throwing this stuff out, we wanted to give others a chance to use it,” says Billy Dixon of the Loren Hotels Group. “There was no reason for it to go to waste.”
Billy, who is originally from Texas, said The Salvation Army was the first organization that came to mind when they decided to donate the items.
“I saw a lot of the good they did for the community back home, so we knew they would do the best with it,” Billy adds. “We think The Salvation Army are a great organization that does a lot of good for people.”
The donation included outdoor tables and chairs, closets, sofa beds, clock radios, desk chairs, area mats and planters. These pieces will be going to The Salvation Army’s Harbour Light shelter.
“We were able to pick out a lot of interior items we could use.”
“I was very excited they even thought of us,” says Dionne Powell, community mission program supervisor at The Salvation Army. “The rooms we visited were in good condition and we were able to pick out a lot of interior items we could use.”
Dionne adds that for many people in Bermuda, purchasing new furniture, especially beds, is quite expensive. Donations like these, which aren’t necessarily common, go a long way in helping people who are struggling to furnish their homes.
Captain Dennis Maybury, public relations officer for The Salvation Army in Bermuda, personally visited the property to thank the staff from Loren Hotels for their contribution.
“We are very appreciative of what they have done for us,” Captain Maybury says.
Giving back is a key value for the hotel group. The company prioritizes being present locally.
“With all our properties, one of the biggest things we do is to give back to the communities as best we can. It is important for us to make a difference wherever we go,” Billy shares.
Looking ahead, The Salvation Army aims to strengthen its relationship with the group and highlight the impact of its donations.
“We are hopeful that we will continue to work together in the future,” Captain Maybury adds.
By Juan Romero
