This week, The Royal Gazette launched its Dare to Care campaign aimed at reclaiming the community by encouraging people to get involved with community service.

It is a way for every man, woman and child to lend a hand in improving the Island regardless of their race, status or income.

And already there has been widespread support for the campaign with people ranging from the ordinary person on the street to politicians to charity leaders all adding their backing.

Tannika Rodrigues, of Meals on Wheels said she "most definitely" would support the campaign, adding: "There are so many people in need in the community that a lot of charities cannot get to, so if everyone has that caring spirit, doing what they can to help others, people will not fall through the cracks."

Kim Sherlaw, director at the S.P.C.A., said: "Each of us have busy lives, but taking a moment to stop and think about people and animals less fortunate is so important.

"We also need to support the community and those in need, so encouraging people to volunteer is good. Many charities are volunteer driven and without the volunteers we couldn't do the work we do."

Ann Smith Gordon, from cancer charity P.A.L.S. said: "I support it because there are so many people that have so many different needs in the community and I think it is wonderful if there are people willing to give their time and interests to help those less well off than themselves."

Ann Spencer-Arscott, of Bermuda Red Cross, added: "Definitely we support it. Obviously I work for a charity that relies on people to provide community service or volunteer so it would be in my best interests to support such a campaign if it could benefit charities or service organisations on the Island."

Claudette Flemming, Executive Director at Age Concern said: "Why wouldn't we support people getting involved in helping others? We all have a role to play and one role doesn't negate another role.

"Why wouldn't we encourage people to get involved in something that helps us to share the responsibility of caring for one another?"

Denise Woodhouse, of Bermuda Girlguiding Association, said: "Dare to Care is a fabulous idea and something we fully support. Often we are trying to solve the problems of our youth.

"Community service is a large part of our organisation. Making bags or gift boxes for Hands of Love, trash pick up, visiting nursing homes, baking, singing at the hospital at Christmas, to name but a few. Each child is taught to expand their knowledge, undertake new skills and have fun in a safe environment."

The Family Centre's director Martha Dismont said: "We have got to find the good in this community and apply it to the needs that we have and volunteers to help where there is a need is doing just that."

The most important support, however, must come from the people of Bermuda; this newspaper wants to hear what small initiatives you, your family or friends are doing to show you care about others so we can compile a 'People's Pledge list' of events.

E-mail news@royalgazette.bm, 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.