the wealthiest countries in the world, its Good Samaritan work is vital.

On the steps of City Hall, the Army -- which has been in Bermuda for a century -- unfurled its Red Shield Appeal flag, signifying the launch their 1997 May fundraising campaign.

The Army is seeking $260,000 in its Red Shield Appeal to assist those ravaged by alcohol and drug abuse, the homeless, and the sick.

Last year, the May campaign raised $252,136, eclipsing a $250,000 target.

Money raised goes to "aid our ministries in Bermuda,'' Major Wilson Noble said.

The target has been increased primarily due to the new day centre for the homeless which opened in December, he said.

The centre, a venture between the Salvation Army, Government and the Corporation of Hamilton, provides meals, counselling, referrals and recreational activities.

"The Red Shield Appeal has everything to do with the world wide web of grace of the Salvation Army,'' Canada and Bermuda territory financial secretary Glen Shepperd said.

Major Shepperd, currently visiting Bermuda, also said that prior to coming to the Island, he spoke with one of three Bermudians currently being helped by the Salvation Army in Toronto.

"He spoke of his desire and eagerness to return to Bermuda, free of the bonds of alcohol and substance abuse,'' Major Shepperd said.

These are individuals that have been "touched by the world wide web of grace.'' The Salvation Army works with members of the community to build a better community. The money raised through the appeal is "essential'' to that work, he said.

Deputy Mayor Lawson Mapp said that the role the Army has played in Bermuda over the past hundred years has been vital.

Aid has been "spiritual and practical,'' he said.

As well as the Red Shield Appeal, the Salvation Army has a Christmas fundraising campaign. The 1997 Christmas target is $90,000. Last year, the Christmas fundraising target was $85,000. Some $87,364 was raised.

Major Noble, in the Salvation Army's annual report, added that the church is now "marching forth'' into its second century.

"And without a doubt the demands placed on the Army will increase.'' The annual report showed that at the Army's emergency housing complex, 35,500 meals were served and beds occupied totalled 17,590.

At the Army's Harbour Light addiction and rehabilitation centre, 6,435 meals were served. Beds occupied there in 1996 totalled 3,600.

APPEAL BEGINS -- Health and Social Services Minister Clarence Terceira, Deputy Mayor Lawson Mapp, Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda territory financial secretary Glen Shepperd and Salvation Army fundraising campaign chairman John McCulloch set the church's Red Shield Appeal in motion yesterday at City Hall.

FUND RAISER FNR