BBSR fundraising campaign set to raise the roof

The finish line is in sight for the Bermuda Biological Station for Research's fundraising campaign to build a new laboratory.

More than $22 million has already been raised in the New Horizon campaign, which set a target of $25 million for various BBSR projects. If the BBSR raises another $2 million, the Michigan-based Kresge Foundation will top off the campaign with a $900,000 grant for the construction of the new $7 million lab building.

Already under construction by Somers Construction, the new lab is scheduled for completion in 2004. It will include 14,000 feet of new laboratory, teaching and office space to conduct BBSR's research and education programmes and to undertake new work in ocean genomics and the connection between ocean health and human health.

The Kresge challenge was issued in June, when the BBSR New Horizon campaign had raised $19.8 million. "The response to the Kresge challenge has been extremely gratifying," said BBSR Development Committee chairwoman Katherine Watson. "Both individuals and companies in Bermuda are being particularly generous in making special gifts to help meet the challenge and to honour BBSR's centennial year."

If the BBSR manages to raise the last $2 million and secure the Kresge grant, Ms Watson said: "The result will be a research and educational resource for Bermudians and for scientists and students from around the world who wish to conduct research from Bermuda's ideal mid-ocean location."

Gifts or grants towards any aspect of the New Horizon campaign count towards the Kresge Foundation challenge.

Thieves strike

A brown leather pouch with an undisclosed amount of money was stolen from a Zuill's Park Road home in Smith's between 10 a.m. on Monday and 10.30 p.m. on Tuesday. Also on Monday, coins were stolen from a Cove Valley Road home in St. David's.