Representatives from the Government and the City of Hamilton voiced their support for the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas kettle fundraiser yesterday.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, was one of the first to contribute to this year’s initiative, which kicked off on the steps of City Hall. It funds many of the charity’s programmes throughout the year.

The minister said: “It is through this campaign that the seeds of compassion and aid are sowed, nurturing the most vulnerable among us.”

He called the Government’s commitment to organisations such as the Salvation Army “a testament to our shared dedication to partner with private sector organisations to serve the greater good and address the pressing needs of our community”.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, thanked the charity, which is celebrating 127 years in Bermuda, for helping the ministry work towards ending homelessness on the island.

She added: “As we embrace this holiday season, I urge each of us to join hands and support this campaign.

“Together, let's ensure everyone feels the warmth of care and inclusion during this festive time.”

The kick-off event was not all speeches — the Northlands Primary school choir and the Salvation Army band entertained spectators with classic spiritual and holiday songs.

Tom Oppenheim, the Deputy Governor, who also discussed the needs of Bermuda’s less fortunate, said: “The impacts on those who lack a stable home background, without a reliable source of income, or who suffer from physical or mental health or addiction challenges are even more challenging during this time of the year.

“That is why I think the support we can provide is so critical, whether in the form of personal donations, corporate or organisational support, or by volunteering our time to help.”

Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, also highlighted this point, saying: “Even in Bermuda, with one of the highest standards of living in the world, we have those not sure when or where their next meal will be, where or if they will have a safe place to sleep tonight.”

There will be several red donation kettles in different parts of the island leading up to Christmas. The charity hopes to raise $55,000 through the campaign.

Major Cathy Sims, Divisional Commander of Salvation Army Bermuda, hopes the initiative “becomes part of your tradition and instils in you an excitement about the possibilities of what can be accomplished when we work together for the collective good of all Bermudians.”

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• Donations can be made to the charity year-round by visitingSalvationarmy.bm, stopping by its Roberts Avenue headquarters, calling 292-0601, sending funds toHSBC account number 010-202539-001 (specify: Christmas kettle), or by mailing cheques to The Salvation Army Bermuda, PO Box HM 2259, Hamilton, HM BX