Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign
Minister of Public Works Lt/Col David Burch and Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors Tinee Furbert attended City Hall to join the Salvation Army Bermuda in launching the charity’s annual Christmas Kettle Campaign.
Minister Furbert’s full statement follows below:
Good afternoon, everyone.
It is my priviledge to stand here with you today for the Salvation Army’s Kettle Kick-off Program, marking the start of a campaign that reflects the very best of what it means to be a community.
Thank you, Captain Dennis Maybury, Major Cathy Simms, and Mayor Gosling, for your warm welcome and for the extraordinary work you lead on behalf of the Salvation Army.
For more than 125 years, the Salvation Army has been a lifeline in Bermuda, offering care and hope to those in our community who need it 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 issues that challenge the very fabric of our society.
Let us not lose sight of the fact that the needs addressed by the Salvation Army do not disappear when the Christmas decorations come down. Food insecurity, homelessness, and poverty are year-round issues that demand our attention and commitment long after the holidays have passed.
Consider the impact of the Salvation Army’s work last year alone:
- Over 50,000 visits for care and support.
- More than 20,000 meals served.
- Thousands of bed days provided for those seeking shelter and recovery.
These numbers represent lives changed, hope restored, and futures rebuilt.
But this incredible work is only possible because of the generosity of people like you—the volunteers, donors, and advocates who ensure that compassion translates into action.On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Salvation Army for their unwavering dedication and to every person who supports this mission. Together, we can help those in need find the strength to move forward and remind them that they are not alone.
Thank you, and may we all be inspired to give generously—not just today, but every day.
Minister Burch’s full statement follows below:
Good afternoon,
It is an honour to join you today as we officially launch the Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Kettle Campaign, which represents a beacon of hope and kindness in our community.
For decades, the Salvation Army has stood solid in its commitment to ensuring that no one among us has to endure hunger, homelessness, or loneliness, especially during this festive season.
Their work underscores the best of who we are as Bermudians—compassionate, supportive, and united in our care for one another.
The Christmas Kettle Campaign is the foundation of this effort, enabling the Salvation Army to extend its vital services during the holidays and throughout the year.
It provides the resources needed to offer shelter, food, and solace to those most in need. But none of this would be possible without the generosity of our community.
Each coin or bill dropped into those red kettles is a lifeline, a message that no one is forgotten and that everyone matters.
This year, however, the Salvation Army’s shelves at their Hamilton Citadel have run bare,
leaving them in urgent need of non-perishable food donations.In response, I note that public servants, including those in my own Ministry of Public Works, have stepped forward to help fill this void. Employees have taken the initiative to organise food drives, collecting essential items that will directly benefit families in need.
This outpouring of support is a powerful reminder that, when we come together, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
The Salvation Army’s call for help has also resonated beyond the walls of government, with organisations across Bermuda answering with donations. This is a momentum we must build upon.
I encourage each of you—individuals, families, and businesses alike—to consider how you can contribute. Whether it’s non-perishable food items, financial contributions, or volunteering your time, every effort makes a difference.
I want to take this opportunity to commend the Salvation Army for their tireless work. Your dedication inspires us all, and the Government of Bermuda stands firmly behind you.
We remain committed to supporting our community’s vulnerable and strengthening our partnership with organisations like yours, which do so much to uplift our island home.
As we approach the holiday season, let us reflect on the true spirit of Christmas—generosity, kindness, and compassion. I urge every resident to give what they can to the Christmas Kettle Campaign.
Together, we can ensure that no family faces the holidays without food on their table or hope in their hearts.
I will lead by example by making one of the first donations to this campaign, and I hope many more will follow.
Thank you.
