A $10,000 cheque was given to the Bermuda Red Cross for its Ukrainian Relief Fund after money was raised by a restaurant group and its customers.

MEF Ltd, or the Little Venice Group, ran several schemes including a "Taste of Ukraine“ brunch at Fourways.

Donations from a percentage of sales raised more than $1,500, which was matched by a “generous donor”, a company spokeswoman said.

She added: “Other initiatives included a $4 donation for every daily special dish sold at Little Venice, $1 for every guest at Fourways during the month of March, staff fundraisers at Blu and Aurora restaurants, and Bermuda Red Cross buckets at various restaurant locations.

“The efforts raised approximately $8,000 which was then rounded up to $10,000 by a donation from the Little Venice Group.

“In addition to the $10,000 donation, Harbourfront restaurant created a donation box that raised approximately $700.”

Ann Spencer-Arscott, the Bermuda Red Cross executive director said: “Knowing that LVG have Ukrainian staff makes this donation even more appreciated.

“Bermuda has been very generous with their continuous donations to the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal. To date and including this donation we have raised $436,000 of which $405,000 has been sent to British Red Cross.

“The tremendous support from LVG and other members of the community has been heart-warming and humbling.

“The funds raised will be used to support 8 million persons displaced within Ukraine and those 5 million who have managed to flee to neighbouring countries.

“An estimated 18 million people – or one third of Ukraine’s population – will need humanitarian assistance, which includes food, water, clothing, first aid, financial aid and psychosocial support.”

Ms Spencer-Arscott said $6 could fund 600 chlorine tablets to make sure that families have access to clean water; $13 could buy a hygiene kit for a family of five, giving them supplies for a month; and $25 could cover five blankets for families taking shelter.

She explained that $125 could fund sleeping mats for 66 people who have been forced from their homes and $262 could pay for “a fully equipped first aid kit, including supplies to a first aider treating the wounded”.

Viktoriya Korshunova, Anastasiia Humeniuk and Oleksandr Serdega – Ukrainian members of staff at the Little Venice Group – joined Emilio Barbieri, the chairman, as well as Fourways managers Andreas Detzer and Alex Rech for the cheque presentation.