Few things remind people of the holidays more than seeing the Salvation Army’s donation kettles.

The charity launched this year’s annual holiday drive at City Hall today. Governor Rena Lalgie and the Mayor of Hamilton Charles Gosling were the first contributors.

Mr Gosling talked about the importance of caring for people who are less fortunate, especially around the holidays.

He said: “We are entering another festive season when so many around the world have so little to celebrate. We should not forget how fortunate we are to call Bermuda our home.

“This campaign is one of the Salvation Army’s most important annual fundraisers and I hope that Bermudian generosity will fill these red kettles.”

Ms Lalgie highlighted the hard work that the organisation does throughout the year.

She said: “The support that the Salvation Army provides is incredible, so I encourage everyone to give as much as they can to be able to support the work that it does for people in Bermuda.”

According to divisional commander in Bermuda, Major Robert Kerr, the army has provided more than 21,000 meals through its food bank programme from January through October. None of this would have been possible, he said, without community support.

He added: “Thank you for trusting us to use your donation well. On behalf of those who have food to eat, a place to sleep and toys to give their children on Christmas Day, I say thank you and God bless you.”

The campaign will help fund many of the organisation’s programmes throughout the year. The fundraising goal is $55,000.

There are 12 kettles throughout the island, including nine in Hamilton. The drive runs until December 24.