Christmas has come early to a pair of restaurants in Hamilton.

Rosa’s Cantina and Chopsticks are banking on the extra time to drum up support for their seasonal fundraiser in aid of two children’s charities.

The sister restaurants want to make sure all the children in the island’s foster care system and with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda have a memorable holiday and a gift to open.

Director of operations Lindsay Durham said: “Christmas is about giving and there’s nothing better than giving somebody something they can’t necessarily afford.

“I myself am the president of the Foster Parent Association and also a foster parent.

“The same with Big Brothers Big Sisters, some parents struggle and can’t afford gifts. So if they get a gift, it’s one less headache that the parents have to worry about.”

Angel Trees have been set up in both restaurants and each angel on the Christmas trees represents a child in the island’s foster care system or with BBBS.

People can pick an angel, buy a gift or donate towards a gift, which will then be given to the child to open on Christmas.

The charity appeal proved so popular last year that the restaurants ran out of angels.

Ms Durham said there about 200 children with BBBS and 82 children between the ages of two months and almost 18 are in foster care.

She added: “I was trying to think of a way to give back and make sure they have a special Christmas because it’s hard when they are taken away from their families and in a stranger’s house.

“Some of them are in kinship placements but most children are with strangers that they are either just going with or they’ve been with for a while. They are in homes that aren’t theirs, beds that aren’t theirs.

“But it’s nice to open up something for Christmas. And last year was a huge success — not one child didn’t receive a gift. To see the children light up was amazing.”

They will also be hosting the “Winter Wonderland — The Big Give Back” again this year.

Ms Durham said: “Last year, we had a great turnout. We had it on Front Street. This year, we’re going to have it at North Field where it’s a bit more confined and safe.”

They have vendors lined up, face painting, fun castles, henna tattoos and it is hoped the event will be bigger and better than last year.

Ms Durham added: “It’s not just for foster children and children of Big Brothers Big Sisters, it’s for the community.

“So anyone who wants to come out, have a good time and enjoy the Christmas season, we encourage you to come.”

The restaurants have again teamed up with Gosling’s to offer a special cocktail called “‘Tis the season”, made with Prosecco, Absolut vodka, strawberry, mint and topped off with soft drink Sprite.

All the proceeds raised through the sale of the cocktail will be split between the two charities.

Ms Durham said the restaurants were also working with wholesaler Butterfield and Vallis to create a special dessert to raise funds.

The Winter Wonderland event will be held on December 10 from 3pm to 8pm.

For more information about any of the initiatives, contact Ms Durham by e-mail via lindsaysimmons@hotmail.com or call 295-1912.

Alternatively, contact BBBS on 232-2802 or e-mail bbbs@logic.bm