When Christopher Alexander had a party for his 11th birthday he knew exactly what he wanted his guests to bring along.

Birthday gifts were banned from the celebration and instead the Warwick Academy student asked friends and family to donate cash to a campaign aimed at saving the Island's open spaces from development.

His unusual request meant he raised $442 in donations and his parents Trish and Colin got into the spirit of things by giving him $100 instead of providing party bags.

At the weekend, Christopher proudly handed over $542 to former Premier David Saul, who is spearheading the latest Buy Back Bermuda $2.5 million fundraising campaign.

The Bermuda National Trust and Audubon Society campaign — which has already successfully saved one piece of land in Somerset from development — is now trying to raise enough to purchase Eve's Pond in Hamilton Parish and Evans Bay Pond in Southampton. The owners of both sites have agreed to sell to BBB rather than a developer so they can be saved in perpetuity.

Christopher told The Royal Gazette: "My mum came up with the idea and then I just agreed with it. I already had a lot of stuff anyway. It felt good because I know I raised money for something good. When I get older I want there to be open spaces so there will be places for other children to play in."

Dr. Saul described Christopher as "an example to us all". He said: "We're hoping as many schoolchildren as possible follow his lead and we really want to thank him for the idea and the thought."

Buy Back Bermuda's successful bid to save Pitman's Pond — which opened last year as Somerset Long Bay East Nature Reserve — saw 500 people donate money and all of their names appear on a plaque at the site.

Dr. Saul said it was hoped to get 1,000 donors this time around, adding that almost $1 million had already been raised just four months after the latest bid was launched.

He added: "I do hope Christopher enjoys seeing his name on the bronze plaque in 20 years time!"

Anyone wishing to make a donation to BBB and have their name appear on a plaque should send a cheque made payable to Buy Back Bermuda to Bermuda National Trust, PO Box 61, Hamilton, HM AX. Call Karen Border 238-8628 for more information.