Local primary schools and the Reading Clinic received more than $80,000 from the Pembroke Rotary Club.

Club president Ken Siggins and secretary Gilda Furbert handed cheques to nine schools. The proceeds were from the children's fair and raffle held in February.

Each year the Island's primary schools are invited to sell the Pembroke Rotary Club raffle tickets and in turn each school gets a portion of the proceeds relative to the number of tickets sold.

This year West Pembroke School received the largest cheque ? $17,000. Deputy principal Terry Cox credited parents of her pupils for the accomplishment.

"We are excited about the cheque but the real reason the amount is so high is our parents," said Ms Cox.

"Every year they really make sure to sell a lot of those raffles. We are so thankful for the opportunity to sell the raffles. We will use the money for a variety of initiatives and learning materials."

Elliot Primary received $15,500 and West Pembroke $11,500, Northlands Primary got $8,000 while Southampton Glebe picked up $7,000. Francis Patton got $6,750 and Gilbert Institute $6,500. Victor Scott received $5,000 and the Reading Clinic and home-school The Learning Express Academy each got $3,000.