Support for the Dare to Care campaign has come in from all corners of the community, with everyone agreeing on one thing: it is time to give back.

The campaign aims to encourage an increased spirit of kindness and giving in the community.

And it hopes to inspire the public to get involved in small and large acts of caring that could help redefine our society.

It could be mowing a neighbour's lawn or being part of an organisation taking three weeks to paint someone's house either way we are calling on everyone to help.

Simone J. Barton, of the Bermuda Heart Foundation, said: "In this day and age where we are a distant society sometimes the people we forget are often the people that we love.

"Random acts of kindness encourage us all to look out for one another and be our brother's keeper. And in this community we need lead voices to champion the cause pillars in the community such as The Royal Gazette that spread the word, where other voices will barely be heard."

Gita Blakeney Saltus, of Caron Bermuda, said she supported the campaign, adding: "Caron Bda is delighted and proud to share in the Dare to Care initiative.

"The Royal Gazette must be commended for taking a leadership role in celebrating the valuable and tireless efforts of the not-for-profit sector, and challenging each of us to contribute in our own way to participate in the overall betterment of our beautiful Bermuda."

Erica Fulton, of Friends of Hospice, said: "Yes I do support the campaign because I feel that it is really important for every single one of us to engage in the community and know that we can all make a difference.

"It encourages us to interact with members of the public that we might not otherwise interact with, which in turn can help to nurture a better sense of unity.

"It can also serve as way to remind us of what we have and how we can step outside our own lives and help others with the simplest of acts."

Clare Mello, executive director of YouthNet, said: "I feel there is too much negative news in the world today. We always default to the negative way of thinking and so I certainly support the campaign because if it brings forth what is best about people I think that is what is really newsworthy."

Pauline Girling, from Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, said: "I absolutely support it because if it doesn't come naturally to help your neighbour then a little gentle encouragement is never out of line.

"It is important to gently jot people's memory about how important they are in the community. I think this kind of promotion is a great way for the local press to use the power of publicity.

"We all know we should do this but by gently doing these reminders it encourages the community as a whole to do more caring for one another."

A Bermuda Hospitals Board spokesperson added: "Caring is at the heart of everything we do at Bermuda Hospitals Board.

"Every day, we see how caring makes a difference to the lives of those around us, whether it is our staff members going the extra mile to ensure the comfort, safety and well-being of our patients, or one of our many volunteers donating their time to serve patients and their families.

"It is wonderful to see those who 'Dare to Care' publicly recognised. We know they do not do it for recognition, but their stories show we can each make a difference.

"They inspire us to be positive agents of change, who are brave and generous enough to give a little of ourselves for the betterment of the whole community."

The most important support, however, must come from the people of Bermuda; this paper wants to hear what small initiatives you, your family or friends are doing to show you care about others.

E-mail news[AT]royalgazette, write a letter to the editor or call us on 295-5881 or 278-0157 to share your stories or let us know what you think about the campaign.