Public schools across the island this week benefited from more than $43,000 worth of school and office supplies from an army of supporters.

Support Public Schools, whose aim is to equip Bermuda’s public-school students with instructional resources, started distributing $18,150 worth of new school supplies today.

The drive will continue tomorrow at schools across the island.

Harrington Sound Primary School was among beneficiaries today.

Cindy Weeks, the principal, said: “As a school of excellence, we are extremely grateful for this diverse group of community partners, for their incredible support of Harrington Sound.”

She said the donations “have truly made a difference for our students from Year 1 to Year 6”, while teachers were thankful for resources to create a more enriching and engaging environment for their students.

She added: “We are delighted to recognise your overwhelming commitment, not just to the Harrington Sound School, but the generosity shown to all public schools across the island.”

Juliana Snelling, an organiser and founder of SPS, thanked the group’s supporters.

She said: “As we make our second round of deliveries during our eighth year, I am incredibly thankful to our many supporters, volunteers, school principals and staff, and especially for the thanks and appreciation of the students we support.

“ SPS.bm was founded to invest in the students in our public education system and provide them with the tools that they need to feel excited and motivated in the classroom and thus increase their chances for success.”

The group has donated approximately $25,000 in second-hand office supplies to public schools throughout the term and a gift of 300 tote bags from insurance firm Athene Re will be distributed this week.

They have also supported two senior public schools, including CedarBridge Academy, with donations of quality second-hand printers.

Natasha Thomas, the deputy principal of CedarBridge, said: “Thanks to your support, we recently received office chairs, printers and filing cabinets, which are already making a meaningful difference in our daily operations.

“We are truly grateful for your partnership in supporting public education, and more specifically, your efforts to support our mission of cultivating Bermuda's achievers.”

BeesMont Law Limited and the Bermuda Monetary Authority are among backers.

Michelle Dallas, chief financial officer of BeesMont, said the firm was proud to be a consistent supporter of the group.

She said: “We recognise the critical importance of education, particularly from a young age, and commend Juliana for her vision behind SPS Bermuda of enhancing the learning and developmental environments of our primary school aged children.”

Natalia Wellman, human resources co-ordinator at the BMA, said: “We recognise that students are the cornerstone of the island’s future success, and the BMA is proud to provide support to schools, teachers and students who are in need of this valuable resource.

“Our hope is that this donation helps every child feel equipped and inspired to learn, grow and dream big.

“For the authority, community is more than a one-time engagement or gesture, and involves building valuable relationships that support Bermuda’s growth and social wellbeing.”

Since it was founded in 2018, the group has purchased approximately $630,000 worth of new school supplies for use in public schools.

In addition, second-hand office and school supplies, including computers, furniture, sports apparel, books and games have been donated to all public primary schools.

Bank of Butterfield is among the group’s supporters for this school term.

It also received help through the Bermuda Bar Association’s annual walk.

Other backers this term include Deloitte, Ariel Re, Argus, ABS, Canterbury Law Ltd, the Pugi family, Kirk Zansel, the Swan Group, Windship, Hamilton Trust Company Ltd./MOORE, Everen Group, Legal and General Re Ltd, Butterfield & Vallis and KPMG.

• To learn more, visit the websiteSPS.bm or send an e-mail to SPSteam@sps.bm or call 296-8444 at Canterbury Law Ltd