The Minister of Public Works, Lt. Col. the Hon. David A. Burch, OBE (Mil), ED, JP, MP, and the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, attended City Hall today to join the Salvation Army Bermuda in launching the charity’s annual Christmas Kettle Campaign.
Remarks by
Lt. Col. the Hon. David A. Burch, OBE (Mil), ED, JP, MP
Minister of Public Works
Good afternoon
I am honoured to stand here today to participate in the beginning of a cherished tradition: The Salvation Army's Annual Christmas Kettle Campaign.
For years, I have witnessed the dedication of The Salvation Army in uplifting our community, ensuring that shelter, sustenance, and comfort during the holiday season and beyond is available to Bermudians.
This Christmas, The Salvation Army echoes a poignant wish - that no individual in our midst should endure homelessness, hunger, or solitude.
They have set forth on a noble mission, seeking to extend a helping hand to those grappling with the basic necessities of human dignity. It's a plea for solidarity, a call to action, urging us all to play our part in fostering hope, dignity, and joy within our Bermudian families, not just during this festive season but throughout the year.
The Annual Kettle Campaign embodies the lifeblood of The Salvation Army's endeavours. It serves as the cornerstone, providing vital resources essential to support families in their time of need, not just at Christmas but persistently, tirelessly, through each passing day. It is through this campaign that the seeds of compassion and aid are sown - nurturing the most vulnerable among us.
I am immensely proud to affirm the Government's steadfast support for this noble cause. We recognise the tireless efforts of The Salvation Army and the monumental impact they have on the lives of those who require it most across our island home.
However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the backbone of this compassion lies within our local communities - in your generosity, your unwavering support, and your willingness to extend a hand to your fellow citizens in times of need.
The commitment of this Government toward ensuring the shelter and well-being of our homeless citizens is solid. Together, in collaboration with the Salvation Army, we've taken significant strides to provide quality transitional housing and essential support programmes for the most vulnerable members of our society.
I am particularly proud to reflect on the milestones achieved in our partnership with the Salvation Army.
Last year, alongside the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, the Honourable Tinee Furbert, we opened the new accommodations at the Salvation Army Emergency Shelter on North Street in Hamilton.
During my visit to the facility, it was evident that these new buildings, now under Salvation Army management, have substantially expanded their capacity to provide housing, offering sanctuary for fourteen individuals in each facility, thereby increasing the total new beds available to twenty-eight. This stands as a testament to our collective effort in ensuring a safer and more secure environment for those in need.
Our pledge to support charitable organisations like the Salvation Army transcends political divides. It is a testament to our shared dedication to partner with private sector organisatons to serve the greater good and address the pressing needs of our community.
With the holiday season fast approaching, I hope that all residents will collectively demonstrate the true essence of the holiday spirit by coming together and supporting The Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle Campaign. I will do so by making the first donation now.
Thank you.
Remarks by
The Hon. Tinee S. Furbert, J.P., M.P.
Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors
Good day, Bermuda,
I am truly delighted to be here once again as we come together to mark the beginning of the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Christmas Campaign.
On behalf of the Government, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Salvation Army, a cherished part of our village, for their commitment to supporting the most vulnerable and marginalized among us.
In this tightly-knit community of ours, we understand the importance of unity and support.
At the Ministry of Youth, Social Development, and Seniors, we are committed to the work of ending homelessness in Bermuda and thank the Salvation Army for their collaboration. Our recent strides toward this goal include the “Community Perceptions on Homelessness in Bermuda" survey that launched on October 3rd.
Between October 3rd and 31st, we gathered nearly 300 responses. The data is now being analyzed so that we can collectively shape initiatives that reflect the needs and sentiments of our community.
As we embrace this holiday season, I urge each of us to join hands and support the Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle Campaign. Together, let's ensure everyone feels the warmth of care and inclusion during this festive time.
Thank you for your ongoing dedication to making Bermuda a place where compassion thrives.