Cup Match rivalry separates the East and West ends of the Island — with vociferous fans sporting the colours of their side — but one local charity uses that rivalry to unite and benefit the community with its annual sale of Cup Match ribbons.

The Family Centre (TFC) has partnered with Capital G since 2001 for the sale of Cup Match ribbons, with proceeds going towards services for at risk families and children in the community.

“We as the family of Bermuda need to come out and support the cricket club, come out and support our favourite teams, but most importantly support our families by way of The Family Centre,” said Shadow Minister of Social Rehabilitation Susann Roberts-Holshouser at a press conference this week unveiling the ribbon campaign at Capital G.

According to Martha Dismont, executive director at The Family Centre, there is a growing number of families in crisis on the Island.

“Influencing circumstances in all of our lives are making the work of The Family Centre very much in demand,” she said.

“I would ask you to ask yourselves over this marvellous time of year to make a concerted effort to interact in a meaningful way with your families. We are all responsible for what is happening in Bermuda.”

TFC hopes to raise between $40,000 to $45,000 with the ribbons campaign, a slight increase from last year, and will be selling the ribbons at Capital G on 19 Reid Street from mid-July.

In addition, Capital G has also created a special Family Centre savings account where people may make additional donations and support the Centre and its various services.

Capital G president and CEO James Gibbons said: “The initiative was developed to capitalise on one of Bermuda’s historical holiday celebrations and (offer) the opportunity to generate funds for The Family Centre.”

He continued: “Without corporate donations and innovative fundraising initiatives it would not be possible for the Centre to provide support services to hundreds of families in our community.”

Norbert Simons, Director of Youth, Sport & Recreation, filled in for Education Minister Randy Horton at the press conference, and admitted there is nothing that divides yet brings the community together as much as Cup Match.

Mr. Simons said: “If you are Bermudian, you are either for Somerset or St. George’s, you are never for both. Everybody just likes to debate on who is going to win Cup Match. It it is always a friendly debate, then everything is just one big party afterwards. That’s what I really like about Cup Match.”