The Christmas season started in Hamilton with the first donation cast by Dave Morgan in his role as the Acting Governor for one of the island’s top fundraisers.

Mr Morgan dropped his contribution into the signature red Christmas kettle on the steps of Hamilton City Hall and told the gathering: “In so doing, I’d like to thank The Salvation Army for all their hard work over the past year, and wish them and you all a very merry Christmas.”

The charity’s festive fundraising drive for people in need benefits programme run by The Salvation Army throughout the year, but is of special significance during a time associated with giving.

Mr Morgan said: “The Christmas season can be really difficult for families battling to make ends meet — for individuals battling illness and addiction, and those without a home.”

He added: “Every donation you make, whether large or small, goes towards making a real difference in someone’s life.”

Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, opened the event by noting that The Salvation Army deals with 8,000 visits during Christmas alone for food, clothing and the distribution of Christmas hampers to families across the island.

He added: “It’s unbelievable, but they do it.”

Mr Gosling said: “Here in Bermuda, we always have a way of looking out for one another.

“The Christmas Kettle Campaign reminds us that even though there are some challenges, the Bermudian spirit of giving never falters.”

Captain Alfred Esdaille, the area commander, told the gathering that the need for a helping hand continued to rise.

He added: “For many, the Christmas season has shifted from a time of celebration to a time of survival, making your support even more important than ever.”

The start of the campaign came in the wake of a visit to The Salvation Army’s North Street Citadel in Hamilton by a team from the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club for their annual Thanksgiving dinner service.

Hotel executives distributed 200 traditional meals of roasted turkey with gravy, stuffing, glazed Christmas ham, macaroni and cheese, cassava pie, pumpkin rice, green beans and a vegetarian offering of a chickpea and vegetable curry served with rice.

The hotel’s pastry chefs provided ginger and sugar cookies.

Tim Morrison, the hotel’s general manager, said it marked the sixth year that the Hamilton Princess turned out for The Salvation Army’s Booth’s Bistro Community Meal with Thanksgiving dinners.

He added: “This service is a meaningful opportunity for us to connect with our community and share in the spirit of gratitude.”

Corps officer Captain Cathy Esdaille added: “These partnerships are a true blessing for The Salvation Army.

“With so many Bermudians struggling under economic pressure and rising daily expenses, we may never realise just how much difference one meal can make in someone’s life.”

Mr Morrison said the hotel was broadening its festive outreach efforts this year with its inaugural Christmas Wish Breakfast Gift Drive from 7am to 10am on December 16.

“Members of the community are invited to donate unwrapped gifts for children and families across Bermuda, with donations distributed through local charity partners including The Gina Spence Programme, Family Centre and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda.

“Each person who donates will be welcomed to enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast with us, and prepared by the hotel’s culinary elves.”

He added: “We look forward to welcoming everyone for a joyous and meaningful morning, and we extend a heartfelt thanks to all who can participate and help make the festive season a bit brighter for those who wish it.”