The season is a little brighter for several local charities on the Island thanks to a $20,000 donation from a local law firm.Conyers Dill & Pearman (CDP) made the donation split between a range of lucky charities, including one of Bermuda’s newest charities, the Ocean Support Foundation. It was established earlier this year by diver Graham Maddocks to combat the invasive lionfish species’ damage to Bermuda’s marine ecosystem and aquatic life.“Conyers’ support enabled us to complete our first fundraising drive to raise $20,000 for specialised dive equipment to fight this environmental threat, which could be the worst Bermuda has ever faced,” said Mr MaddocksHe said since starting the charity, he and other members of the organisation have been through a learning curve.“Some of the challenges we have faced have included how to safely and effectively implement our strategies in the unpredictable ocean environment,” said Mr Maddocks. “Things don’t always go as planned and we are constantly needing to rethink the best way to accomplish a task or realising that a special type of equipment is needed or that we have to design something ourselves.“As with any new organisation we are learning how to set up the foundation in a fiscally responsible way and figuring out how to get the resources we need to begin deep diving to locate where the lionfish are congregating (hot spots) and then start testing strategies like trapping and spearing programmes.”The Centre for Talented Youth (CTY), an after-school programme which identifies and develops academic excellence in Bermuda’s youth, also received help from CDP this holiday season.“CDP has been very generous to CTY,” said CTY executive director Riquette Bonne-Smith. “It is not the first donation they have made to us. It shows their commitment to gifted education and empowering young people to reach for the sky on this island. We are very grateful for their wonderful generosity.”Meanwhile, the Centre Against Abuse received a donation from CDP to assist with its efforts in eradicating abusive relationships in Bermuda.“We are thrilled that CDP chose the Centre Against Abuse to donate $3,000,” said Laurie Shiell, executive director. “These funds will assist with the running of our safe house. Some women come to us who do not have jobs, as they are housewives, and are unable to pay the minimum fee for their stay. These funds will go towards covering their stay and the counselling that they receive at the safe house.”CDP also made donations to the Mihdi Joon Brock Fund, Feed the Children Ministry, the Bermuda Islander’s Senior Centre and several needy families in the community.“Conyers is pleased to see such a generous outpouring from staff in support of these charities, which provide real value especially during these challenging times of need,” said Jennifer Williams, chairman of CDP’s Benevolent Fund. “Through the Conyers Benevolent Fund, we are able to support a number of charities and educational programmes which benefit Bermuda’s community.”The benevolent scheme is funded by donations from CDP employees, which are matched dollar for dollar by CDP directors.