Scant weeks after it announced a goal to raise $200,000 by Christmas, the Family Centre has broken the halfway mark.The fundraising effort was launched after the charity was hit by a cash shortfall and its social assistance services “bombarded” with needy families.“Family Centre has worked hard to earn the respect of the community, our donors and our clients,” the charity’s executive director Martha Dismont told The Royal Gazette. “I believe this combination has made this possible.”A whopping 80 percent of the monies raised came from private donors, with businesses making up the rest.Lead donor Kirk Kitson came up with “almost $60,000 on his own”.“We are thrilled with Kirk’s dedication and drive to ensure that we raise these funds,” Ms Dismont said.“It is about people like this who selflessly assist others, but it is also about all of those who have chosen to give so far, who we want to thank for demonstrating their belief in helping others to achieve success. It is very humbling.”Government cut its $150,000 grant to the organisation in last year’s Budget.Asked if the drive would continue after Christmas, Ms Dismont said: “We must, and we will.“Regardless of the economic circumstances that Government finds itself in, or the community at large, we must continue to strengthen the very fibre of our society, its people and particularly our youth.“We are dedicated to this cause and we will do whatever it takes to ensure that families are better. We thank all who stand by us in this cause.”Family Centre provides counselling service to families and parenting groups, and offers a youth leadership programme.The Centre has a balance of $97,000 to raise before Christmas.Useful website: www.tfc.bm.