The Salvation Army’s annual Red Shield Tag Day has celebrated 130 years of service in Bermuda.

Members presented their first red shield of the season to Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, while visiting him at the Governor’s House in Pembroke.

The Salvation Army encouraged others to donate to the Red Shield Tag Day volunteers stationed around Hamilton, Somerset and St George’s today.

Captain Dennis Maybury, the Regional Public Relations Officer for the Salvation Army, added: “This year’s campaign is especially meaningful as we celebrate 130 years of service in Bermuda.

“While the challenges facing many families continue to evolve, our commitment remains the same — to meet people where they are with compassion, dignity and practical support.

“Red Shield Tag Day gives the community an opportunity to directly help their neighbours and ensure these essential services continue year-round.”

The Salvation Army offers food, clothing, shelter and support to people in need while offering long-term help through substance abuse care, housing assistance and educational programmes.

It said that all cash raised during Red Shield Tag Day would go towards services.

A spokesman for Salvation Army said the group’s programmes received more than 50,000 visits last year, with 8,085 people receiving toys and food hampers during the Christmas season.

The charity served 20,650 meals, more than 7,000 of which were served through shelter and feeding programmes, and offered 2,718 beds.

Its work was made possible through the support of more than 1,300 volunteers who contributed over 2,600 hours of service.