Hundreds of needy people turned out for a meal at Southampton Rangers last night organised by two sisters hoping to make a positive difference in their community.

Colette Lightbourne and Crystal Lightbourne Simmons heard about families in Southampton struggling to make ends meet and decided to do something about it.

In two short weeks, the sisters enlisted the help of past and present Government MPs and the business community, who donated food and gift items to the cause.

Southampton Rangers President Randy Raynor also got on board by lending them the club facilities for the night.

The Royal Gazette highlighted these caring sisters' efforts earlier in the week as part of our 'Dare to Care' campaign. The event last night, however, surpassed even their own expectations.

"It was overwhelming. The food is gone," said Mrs. Lightbourne Simmons. "I mean The Reefs hotel supplied us with a lot of food and it's gone."

Mrs. Lightbourne Simmons was surprised by how important the meal was to people that walked through the doors.

"One girl she sat here and she cried. She said 'you know I thought it was just me and I see that there are others in need as well'. She thought she was alone," said Mrs. Lightbourne Simmons.

"The face of needy has changed in Bermuda. It is everybody, every colour, every sector. It's amazing," she added.

"One lady she is from my neighbourhood we had no clue. We see her children everyday, we didn't even know she was in need," Miss Lightbourne said.

Another man who came to eat told them the event was wonderful. He said: 'I am so happy someone did this'.

Mrs. Lightbourne Simmons didn't think people would recognise what they were doing."You think people don't see it or people just ignore it, but they said 'thanks a lot. This is wonderful'," she said

Younger sister, Miss Lightbourne continued: "We had a response from everyone that came, saying 'oh we are so proud of you girls, so glad you did something like this'."

MPs Zane DeSilva, Stanley Lowe and Charlie Swan gave their support from the onset and turned up for the meal last night. Members of the Southampton Parish Council also came bearing gifts for the children, including big dolls and trucks and trains.

The event, which included entertainment by dance crew Unlimited Obsessions, was sponsored by MarketPlace, White & Sons, Henry VIII Restaurant, the Wok Express, Scoops Ice Cream Parlour, Crown Landscaping, Bermuda General Agency and others.

When asked if they would be continuing this in the future, the sisters enthusiastically said: "Next year, the same thing. Part two."

Are you or anyone you know doing something positive to show you care about the community? Share it as part of our Dare to Care campaign by emailing nadiaroyalgazette.bm or calling 278-0157.