The Lions Clubs of Bermuda has officially launched its annual Christmas fundraiser, with the opportunity for schools to win bragging rights for the most donations.

The Share the Christmas Spirit Programme hopes to collect enough food to create 1,000 hampers, inclusive of allergies and dietary needs.

Mark Bothello, a former District Governor of Lions Clubs of Bermuda, said the need had increased with every year, making donations critical.

He added: “With the cost of living and the cost of food, there are more and more people in need for foodstuff.

“We could always used the funds to assist, because the need has increased.”

Mr Bothello was speaking this morning during the official launch of the campaign at the Hamilton MarketPlace on Church Street.

The launch marked the campaign’s 38th anniversary and included a prayer by the Right Reverend Nicholas Dill, the Anglican Bishop of Bermuda, and performances by the St David’s Primary School Choir.

Mr Bothello said he hoped to see more donations this year after inviting schools to take part and partnering with MarketPlace once again.

Velda Franco, a missionary with Lions Clubs, added that the club hoped to make their presence more visible and use QR codes to encourage people to offer funds wirelessly.

She said: “Every amount will make a difference, no matter how small or how large it is.”

Ms Franco reminded attendees that the burden to help those less fortunate was not on one person, but existed as a community effort.

She added that the extra support could make an “immediate life-changing difference.”

Ms Franco said: “Your generosity will put nutritional food on a family’s table, ease a senior’s burden and reassure someone struggling quietly in our community.”

She said the school that donated the most items by the end of the campaign would receive an engraved plaque and reserve “bragging rights” for a year.

She added: “While the rising cost of living has been putting pressure on households across our island, many families and seniors face the tough reality of stretching budgets to cover proper nutritional food every day.

“Behind every request for a hamper is a neighbour who deserves support, dignity and the comforting reassurance that Bermuda truly cares.

“No family should have to face hunger in silence and no family requesting a hamper should ever be turned away.”

Ms Franco said donations would be accepted all the way up to Christmas Eve, with any donations made after going towards the campaign for next year.

A MarketPlace spokesman said the grocery store chain was proud to partner with the Lions Clubs of Bermuda again and do its part in supporting those less fortunate.

He added: “Christmas is about taking care of each other.

“One tin or one box can make a real difference and we encourage everyone to give what they can and help the Lions reach their goal.”

Donations can be made at all MarketPlace locations, or by e-mailing Lions Clubs of Bermuda at lionsclubofbermuda@gmail.com to receive banking details.

There will also be tag days on November 26 and 28.