The Salvation Army’s Women & Children’s Emergency Shelter was officially reopened on Nov. 25, thanks to a $150,000 donation from The Coca-Cola Company and support from several other local organizations. After being heavily damaged during 2016’s Hurricane Matthew, the facility has been renovated into a modern, residential styled facility that is able to offer assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The shelter, which was originally opened in 1972, has been a refuge to hundreds of women. According to the Salvation Army, it has been a critical program that has offered a multitude of services and support to women and their small children during the most painful and vulnerable times in their lives.

The Hon. Frankie Alfred Campbell, Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, noted the significance of the shelter being reopened on the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and stressed the importance of providing a safe, secure, and welcoming refuge for women and children who find themselves in need of shelter.

Travis Robinson, Bain and Grants Town MP, also noted that the shelter, located on West & Meadow Street, will serve an important role in the community

Earlier this year, The Coca-Cola Company donated $300,000 to be used for hurricane restoration efforts. In addition to the renovation of the Women & Children’s Emergency Shelter, a community center in Ragged Island is also being restored.

“Over the past two years, Hurricanes Mathew and Irma have ravaged several islands in the Bahamas, and it has always been our policy to support those in need to the extent possible" noted Caribbean Bottling Company CEO, Walter Wells. “In addition to our local efforts, The Coca-Cola Company also agreed to lend a helping hand and provided a donation of $300,000 to support restoration efforts in Ragged Island and restoration of The Salvation Army Women’s and Children’s Emergency Shelter. We are proud of our partnership with The Coca Cola Company and the ability to provide tangible help to the Salvation Army and the Bahamian communities that we serve.”

The Salvation Army is spearheading both projects, and the organization has been instrumental in identifying areas that were most in need of assistance. The group also noted that they are extremely grateful for The Coca-Cola Company’s donation and support.

"The Salvation Army of the Bahamas is thankful to Coca-Cola for their partnership in helping to give hope to the many families impacted by Hurricane Irma [and Matthew]” noted Major Clarence Ingram, Salvation Army’s Divisional Commander. “Our partnership with a great community-minded and philanthropic company like Coca-Cola is excellent.”