The Salvation Army welcomed a wave of first donations after it officially announced the start of its annual Christmas fundraising drive.

The Christian charity began its Christmas Kettle Campaign with a ceremony on the steps of City Hall in Hamilton.

Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, kicked off the effort with a $10,000 donation.

He added: “As Bermudians, we have always shown a willingness to give back. Let’s do that again.”

The launch ceremony was attended by Rena Lalgie, the Governor, and David Burt, the Premier, as well as several other government ministers.

Major Cathy Simms, the Salvation Army Area Commander for Bermuda, reminded the public that the charity had been present on the island for more than 125 years.

She added that the organisation did not just provide food, clothing and addiction counselling, but that it also offered hope.

Major Simms said: “When you give, you are not giving to an organisation — you are giving to help provide care for the people of Bermuda.”

Tineé Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, also urged people to donate year-round.

She reminded members of the public that “the needs addressed by the Salvation Army do not disappear when the Christmas decorations come down”.

Ms Furbert added: “Food insecurity, homelessness and poverty are all year round and they’re issues that demand our attention and commitment long after the holidays have passed.

“The Salvation Army has been a lifeline in Bermuda, offering care and hope to those in our community who need it the most.

“From providing meals to the hungry, shelter to the homeless and support to individuals battling addiction, their work speaks directly to the heart of the issues that challenge the very fabric of our society.”

The ceremony was livened by performances from the Salvation Army Brass Band and the Northlands Primary School Choir, led by Terry Henry.

Tamicia Darrell, the principal of Northlands Primary, said that the school decided to forego its annual Christmas party and instead donate its $1,850 budget to the Salvation Army.

She added that the school would also send volunteers to assist the charity with its food distribution drive on December 6.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, pledged a donation to the Salvation Army, which he described as “a beacon of hope and kindness in the community”.

He said that its work underscored “the best of who we are as Bermudians”.

Colonel Burch added that the charity’s shelves had “run bare”, which deepened the need for donations, particularly during the holiday season.

He said: “Each coin or bill dropped into those red kettles is a lifeline — a message that no one is forgotten and everyone matters.”