For everyone who thought spare change didn't matter, the Bermuda Junior Service League's annual Coins for Cause coin drive has proved otherwise.

Coins for Cause 2008, which ran from September 17 to 30, raised about $12,000 towards a major refurbishment of the sexual assault response team room at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

The room, which used to be known as the rape crisis room, was initially funded in 1999 by the league, which is now trying to raise $45,000 for a complete upgrade.

League president Verde Pineda said: "Everyone in Bermuda is to be commended for their support of this effort. We had amazing support from Warwick Academy students, who took out money from their piggy banks and raised over $2,200.

"The League also appreciates the work of Mrs. Dorothy Trott from BTC, who took the coin bucket around her neighbourhood in order to raise funds. We know each person assisted in whatever way they could and the result was overwhelming."

The upgrade will provide the room with the most technologically advanced equipment available and a more comfortable waiting space.