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.