Employees from PricewaterhouseCoopers have cheerfully packed up hundreds of food hampers to be distributed to the Island's needy for Christmas.

The company is a principal sponsor for the West End, East End, Central Community campaign which will see 1,000 food hampers delivered throughout the Island this week.

In addition to preparing and delivering hampers for the past two weeks PwC is a financial sponsor of the campaign, which is in its 14th year. It began providing hampers for 25 to 50 families in need. As part of The Royal Gazette's 'Dare to Care' campaign which aims to encourage people to take time to carry out acts of kindness we talked with PwC staff including Anthony Lee, an associate actuary who volunteered three hours of his time to pack hampers.

Mr. Lee said: "This season I think it is important to not be so concerned about receiving but also think of those who are in need and try and give back anyway that you can."

This was his second time taking part with PwC corporate responsibility strategy, which gives staff time off work to give back to the community.

Associate actuary Hataya DeSilva said the campaign was just a small way people could make a big difference in their community. "I am Bermudian and I've always wanted to find the time to give back," said Ms DeSilva. "It's important because there are so many people that are in need especially in these trying times.

"People may not think that coming here and doing this is a big thing, but it actually is because the little things can add up to something really big."

She added: "I am thinking about the families while doing this. I am thinking (how they will feel) when someone comes and gives this box to their house. They will have food for their table, they don't have to worry about where their next meal is coming from."

The hampers filled with fresh foods, meats and vegetables, a family sized turkey, soda, candy and canned goods, will give seniors, single mothers and needy families a chance at having a merry Christmas.

In addition to PwC, ArielRE was a principal sponsor for the campaign which is supported by Whites, Lindos, Arnolds, Supermart, Sports Source and various schools in the West End.

Shaun Robbie, an assurance manager for PwC said: "It's important especially around the holiday season when everyone should try and get involved with helping the less fortunate. It's been short. (So far) we've only been here an hour or so, but it's been fun."

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