January 25, 2015

Dear Sir,

Thank you to all those generous people and organisations who gave to those in need over the holiday season. This is what I believe the holiday season should be all about. To help those less fortunate than us and to give from our hearts.

Many of us take for granted that our local companies are so generous so I thought it would be nice to say a big “Thank you” on behalf of all those who have been fortunate enough to receive their kind donations.

Thank you to those listed below and to all those who did not publicise their donations:

Chef Michiko Campbell, who gave a free dinner at Albuoy’s Point to 400-plus people.

The Salvation Army’s 1,250 Christmas hampers plus toys for 934 children.

Four hundred Christmas gifts for families by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

A secret Santa who generously picked up the bill for shoppers who were struggling to pay off goods.

Toys donated to children living in a housing shelter by the Open Your Heart Foundation.

Appleby presented Christmas hampers and gifts to a charity that helps people with HIV and their families.

The Salvation Army has been given more than $3,000 after a fundraiser by the Bermuda Irish Association.

Bermuda CableVision teamed up with The Hamilton Seventh Day Adventist Church to host a Christmas Day luncheon.

PwC provided $10,000 to ensure hundreds of families enjoy a great Christmas meal.

More than 70 seniors will get an Age Concern basket, with the team effort involving Age Concern, the Bank of Bermuda Foundation, Butterfield & Vallis, Deloitte and CedarBridge students.

Bermuda HealthCare Services distributed nearly 200 turkeys during the company’s Annual Turkey Give-away.

The Bank of NT Butterfield & Son Limited recently presented The Salvation Army with a $5,000 donation.

CD&P donated $14,000 to seven charitable causes.

Eight local schools received $30,000 each at the culmination of PartnerRe Ltd’s successful Dollars for Hours project that pairs student volunteers with local charities on community projects.

Catlin Bermuda surprised seven local charities with an early Christmas gift.

St George’s Parish put together 25 food hampers for the needy in St George’s.

The spirit of giving over the holidays is a wonderful blessing, however, we must all continue this spirit of giving throughout the year as those in our society who are suffering need our help. So whether you can give financially or give your time to help out with a charitable organisation please continue to be your brother’s keeper.

KAREN MAGNUM