Financial-services regulator the Bermuda Monetary Authority has partnered with the charity Tomorrow’s Voices to help raise funds in support of programmes and services offered to young people on the autism spectrum.

BMA staff wore their wacky socks to work in support of the charity’s annual Autism “Rocks Socks” fundraiser on Friday, April 26, and the following Friday, members of the BMA team volunteered their time to help with the Tomorrow’s Voices annual tag day.

As part of the celebration of its 50th anniversary this year, the BMA is expanding its community outreach and is supporting island charities whose missions address categories including children and families, arts and culture, the environment, education and seniors.

Tomorrow’s Voices was one of five charities that was identified as a benefactor for a “BMA Day of Giving” — community service projects in which staff provide assistance to local charities through volunteering for specific projects that have been identified by the charity partner as an area of need.

In total, 21 non-profit organisations, including Tomorrow’s Voices, will benefit from monies raised by staff who participate in the BMA’s ‘Charitable Fridays’ throughout this year.

These internal dress down days are scheduled twice per month and staff can wear business appropriate denim in exchange for a minimum donation to the designated charity partner for that date.

Shanna Lespere, chief operating officer for the BMA, was among the tag day volunteers. She said: “Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to interact with several autistic children and most recently with a neighbour of mine.

“I know the important role that Tomorrow’s Voices plays in supporting Bermuda’s autistic children, young adults on the autism spectrum and their families, and that’s why I chose to volunteer for this BMA Day of Giving.”

Mesheiah Crockwell, BMA’s Director of Human Resources, highlighted the value of corporate involvement with providing charitable support.

“The non-profit sector in Bermuda is a critical lifeline for the wellbeing of all residents, especially those who are the most vulnerable,” Ms Crockwell said.

“The more engaged Bermuda’s business sector is with the missions and delivery of programmes and services provided by our local charities, the better it is for everyone who calls our island home.”

She added: “With cases of autism and other ‘special needs’ diagnoses on the rise at alarming rates, it is imperative that we, as a society, do everything possible to invest in teaching and developing skills for those whose abilities may be different.

“No child should be left behind, regardless of their level of functioning, and Tomorrow’s Voices provides critical services that influence their clients’ independence and ability to better interact with others in a variety of settings, including school, work and social.”

Thea Furbert, co-founder and chairwoman for the Tomorrow’s Voices board, said: “We are so grateful to have been chosen to partner with the BMA to support two of our Autism Awareness Month initiatives. These fundraising events are key in helping our centre raise funds for the continued longevity of our services to children and families touched by autism and other developmental disabilities in the community.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the BMA staff as their giving will truly have a positive impact on our centre.”

For more information on Tomorrow’s Voices visit www.tomorrowsvoices.bm. For information on the BMA’s 50th anniversary and community service initiatives, visit www.bma.bm