Police officers are setting up a charity to raise money to educate the children of people who died in Hurricane Fabian.

The September 5th Foundation aims to raise $300,000 in the next three years to take Zen-Paul Pacheco and Stephen Symons junior through post-secondary education after their fathers, Manuel Pacheco and Stephen Symons were killed last year. The two men were in cars which were washed off the Causeway as they tried to drive from St. George?s.

Previous fundraising efforts such as last year?s sumo wrestling tournament at the Police Recreation Club have already raised $50,000 for the foundation. That effort will be repeated on September 4 this year while there are also plans for a Valentine?s Day Ball.

Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith, Inspector Craig Morfitt, P.c Jeffrey Baron and P.c. Shannell Astwood are applying to incorporate the September 5 Foundation. Insp. Morfitt said the foundation might also offer scholarships for children of other Policemen or people who have come into contact with the Police. Applications from police officers who have children with a serious illness might also be considered. He said the Junior Service League was greatly helping fundraising efforts.

Now the September 5th group is on a corporate fundraising drive and is looking for charitable status. The group is also looking for separate funds to erect a memorial bench.

?We have just got permission from the Department of Parks to erect a bench on Kindley Field Road near Stonecrusher Corner,? said Insp. Morfitt. The granite bench will cost around $12-13,000. Already two donations of $500 have come in.

If you want to donate call Insp. Morfitt on 299 4343.