The launch of the island’s biggest public fundraiser supporting vulnerable families today comes at a time of growing demand on the resources of The Salvation Army.

The charity said it dealt with 60,191 visits for assistance last year, an increase of 20.4 per cent, while it was called upon to serve 29,200 meals through its community feeding programmes and shelters, up 41.4 per cent.

Christmas hampers and toys went to 9,125 seniors and local families, marking a rise of 12.9 per cent.

Captain Dennis Maybury, the charity’s Bermuda regional public relations officer, said: “These increases reflect a community under serious pressure.

“The reality is simple: without volunteers and community support, we cannot meet the growing demand.

“To sustain our island-wide services, we rely on raising a minimum of $1 million through kettles and public donations each year.”

The public were invited to join the start of the campaign at noon today on the steps of City Hall in Hamilton, with the Northlands Primary School Choir joining the Salvation Army Band.

Dave Morgan, the Deputy Governor, will join government and city dignitaries along with Ed Christopher, the Hamilton Town Crier, and Salvation Army officials.

The charity reminded the community that “one hour can change someone’s Christmas” as it called for volunteers to join the donation drive for holiday aid packages.

Fundraising directly supports the programmes providing food, clothing, toys, shelter, street outreach and emergency relief throughout the year, with every dollar remaining in Bermuda.

The Salvation Army issued an “urgent” call for businesses, schools, community groups, churches and families to adopt a kettle for a day.

The group added: “By showing up, volunteering and giving generously, we can ensure that no one is left behind during this season of hope.”

Supporters can sign up to become an Anonymous Santa by calling 537-6455 before December 14.

Santa’s helpers will assist in pledging gifts, which can be dropped off at deposit centres in Hamilton at Bermuda Commercial Bank, the HSBC Harbourview Centre on Front Street, People’s Pharmacy and the Phoenix Annex Toys.

The community can also support the Salvation Army’s Truck of Hope in partnership with Inter-Island Communications, by donating non-perishable food, gift cards and new unwrapped toys on December 12, from 7am to 2pm at 49 Union Square.

Guests can also share a Christmas shout-out live on the radio.

The Salvation Army is taking non-perishable canned, tin or boxed food supplies for Christmas hampers at drop-off bins at the Lindo’s Devonshire and Warwick locations.

Volunteers can sign up at salvationarmy.bm/volunteer or contact Cheryl Jones at 532-3360 in the central district, Joanne Fubler at 703-3454 in the west and Almeta Ward at 297-0267 in the east.