cash for their social assistance programmes.

The well known Christian charity launched their annual Red Shield Appeal at City Hall to raise funds for their 12 social programmes which help thousands of Bermudians each year.

Divisional Commander Major Alfred Richardson told the lunch-time crowd at City Hall that the ministry needed to raise $350,000 between this month's campaign and their Christmas appeal.

And he said that there was an extensive demand for the Salvation Army's services in the community.

"In 1997 we served 50,000 meals to the homeless, 800 families received Christmas bags of food, 2,600 children received help and 2,500 toys were distributed at Christmas, '' Major Richardson said.

Governor Thorold Masefield told the audience that he had great admiration for the Salvation Army and paid tribute to it for their community activism.

"It does a great deal for those that have lost their way in society,'' he said.

FLYING THE FLAG -- The Salvation Army launched their annual Red Shield Appeal on the steps of City Hall this week with a flag raising ceremony. (From left to right) John McCulloch, deputy mayor Lawson Mapp, Governor Thorold Masefield and Major Wilson Noble all helped in the raising of the Salvation Army's Red Shield Flag.

FUND RAISER FNR