One hundred and fifty needy individuals will enjoy Christmas dinners at the Salvation Army Citadel today thanks to the generosity of one local business.

Applied Computer Technologies (ACT) made a donation to the charity in lieu of sending out Christmas cards and gifts to its clients in order to fund the holiday feast.

Salvation Army community services director Major Chuck Eyre said he believes donations such as that made by ACT may be a potent crime deterrent.

"The past year has seen many unfortunate incidents across Bermuda and we have all heard the stories reported in the media about homeless persons being involved in some of these incidents," Maj. Eyre said.

"In a small way, we hope that by providing these individuals with a place to come and enjoy some festivities and a good meal, we can keep them off the streets and out of harm's way."

Major Eyre said he was in no way implying that homeless people were criminals.

"As I said last year, it is not that the folks we assist are in any way criminals, but past experience has demonstrated that crimes are created out of frustration and not due to individuals having a deviant nature," he said.

"Being able to share a meal and provide comfort in any way, shape or form, has a direct and positive impact when frustration is at the root of an individual's problems."

ACT made a similar donation to the Army's Christmas programme last year.

"We had a relationship with the Salvation Army in the past, and having supported them last year with their annual Christmas dinners we again wanted to assist financially by covering the costs of their annual dinner," said ACT managing director John Robbins.

"Our staff and company management gave their unanimous support and so we are very pleased to be able to assist the Salvation Army."

Mayor Eyre said the donation would make a huge difference to those that frequent the Citadel.

"The Salvation Army is financially dependent on the goodwill of Bermuda residents and the corporate community," he said.

"The donation from ACT allows us the ability not only to provide a full Christmas dinner for approximately 150 homeless individuals, but also able to the give each person a small Christmas present."