The Salvation Army in Bermuda kicked off its annual Red Shield Appeal yesterday hoping to raise thousands of dollars for the needy.

Health Minister Nelson Bascome was joined by Major Woody Hale, the Army's divisional commander, and Mayor of Hamilton Lawson Mapp, in hoisting the flag at City Hall to signal the start of the cash campaign.

The objective this year is to raise $450,000, which is $50,000 more than last year.

Letters are going out to businesses and organisations around the Island asking for donations before the end of the month.

And all money raised will remain on the Island and will be used to assist the homeless, hungry, lonely and those addicted to drugs and alcohol.

Major Hale said the reason for the increase in the target was to improve the quality of service at the Salvation Army's emergency housing complex.

He said if previous years were anything to go by, the people of Bermuda would show great support to the campaign.

He thanked everybody for their past support, including the Corporation of Hamilton, Government, the National Drug Commission and volunteers and staff.

And he added: "I'm delighted to point out that Bermuda has an exceptional record as far as support for the Red Shield Appeal is concerned.

"I want to take this opportunity today to thank Bermuda, as well as community-minded businessmen and women, who give so generously to the appeal.

"Last, but not least, we thank you our supporters -- you are partners with us.'' And Mr. Bascome, who has been involved with the work of the Salvation Army for years, encouraged people to give to the appeal.

And he said the Army around the world was the unsung hero, who worked in the trenches but was rarely seen in the public eye.

"I want to say to the Salvation Army that it is not only the Red Shield Appeal that goes some way to assisting our community, but the Salvation Army has a reputation for providing service throughout the world,'' he said.

"I want to encourage people to give as freely as they can to this appeal.'' After the launch of the appeal yesterday both Mr. Bascome and Major Hale said they were continuing in their search for a new, bigger property to house the charity's Harbour Lights project, which provides residential rehabilitation treatment for drug and alcohol abuse.

The Royal Gazette has reported previously that the current centre on King Street is only able to house ten reforming addicts, but the need is greater.

The Army and Government are together looking for a new site for the centre somewhere on the Island, and hope that it could be up and running within the next 18 months.

Mr. Bascome said: "We are constantly on the lookout for a new site.'' RED SHIELD APPEAL -- Flying the flag : From left, the Salvation Army's Major Woody Hale helps to hoist the Red Shield Appeal flag at City Hall yesterday accompanied by Mayor of Hamilton Lawson Mapp, Health Minister Nelson Bascome, and Cyril Rance, chairman of the Army Advisory Board.