130 Years of Hope: The Salvation Army Launches 2026 Red Shield Tag Day
130 Years of Hope: The Salvation Army Launches 2026 Red Shield Tag Day
Governor Andrew Murdoch was presented with the first Red Shield tag of The Salvation Army’s annual Red Shield Tag Day, which takes place Friday, May 15, 2026. This year also marks 130 years of The Salvation Army serving Bermuda and providing support to those in need across the island.
Holding the donation bucket to receive the Governor’s contribution is 6-year-old Leo Butterworth. Presenting the first tag is 8-year-old Matteo Ramabuke, alongside Captain Dennis Maybury, Captains Alfred and Cathy Esdaille. Captain Alfred Esdaille recently made history as The Salvation Army’s first Bermudian Area Commander and Corps Officer of North Street Citadel with his wife.
“The public is encouraged to give generously as Red Shield Tag Day volunteers will be stationed throughout Hamilton, as well as in Somerset and St. George’s,” said The Salvation Army. “Every contribution helps support critical local Community and Family Services programmes that assist individuals and families across Bermuda.”
Every dollar raised during Red Shield Tag Day remains in Bermuda and directly supports vital programmes and services in the community. The Salvation Army provides essential assistance including food, clothing, shelter, and emotional and spiritual care, while also offering long-term support through housing assistance, substance abuse recovery programmes, life-skills and job-readiness training, and educational initiatives that help individuals build stability and independence.
“This year’s campaign is especially meaningful as we celebrate 130 years of service in Bermuda,” said Captain Dennis Maybury, Regional Public Relations Officer for The Salvation Army Bermuda. “While the challenges facing many families continue to evolve, our commitment remains the same — to meet people where they are with compassion, dignity, and practical support. Red Shield Tag Day gives the community an opportunity to directly help their neighbours and ensure these essential services continue year-round.”
The Salvation Army assists those in need 365 days a year. In 2025, more than 50,000 visits were made for assistance across Salvation Army programmes in Bermuda. The organisation served 20,650 meals to the community, provided 2,718 shelter, addictions, detox, and mental health beds, distributed 7,442 meals through shelter and feeding programmes, and helped 8,085 people during the Christmas season through food hampers and toy assistance initiatives. This work was made possible through the support of more than 1,300 volunteers who contributed over 2,600 hours of service.
The Salvation Army’s work in Bermuda has continued because of the generosity of the community. Donations help provide hope and practical assistance to thousands of island residents each year.
To donate online, visit SalvationArmy.bm/donate.
To volunteer, visit SalvationArmy.bm/volunteer.
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Bermuda in 1896 and has grown to become one of the largest direct providers of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people in Bermuda and in more than 130 countries around the world. Its community and social service activities include: hunger relief for individuals and families through food banks in Hamilton, Somerset and St. Georges and feeding programs; shelter for people experiencing homelessness and support for those needing housing; rehabilitation for those struggling with substance-use recovery; soup van delivering meals to the homeless, Christmas assistance such as food hampers and toys; after-school programs, camps for children and youth; and life-skills classes and so much more. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.
For further information contact:
Captain Dennis Maybury
Mobile: 441-747-0199
dennis.maybury@salvationarmy.bm