A hard-up charity that supports victims of violent and sexual crime has had its short-term future secured after receiving more than $102,000 in donations.

The Women's Resource Centre, which has been threatened with closure due to a lack of cash, has received a number of donations in the last three weeks - all of them from members of the community.

Chairwoman Penny Dill said she had been bowled over by the generosity of individuals, who have promised there is still more to come.

One donor, who did not wish to be revealed, has pledged $50,000 a year for the next three years, and senior citizen David Barber handed over a cheque for $50,000 to the charity at the weekend.

However, many others have given whatever they could to ensure that the centre in Reid Street can continue to provide its vital service.

Mrs. Dill appealed through The Royal Gazette earlier this month for financial backing from both residents and businesses after recording one of the busiest periods in its history.

However, so far, only individuals have come forward.

She said: "We never expected such superb support from the community -- it has really given us a lift.

"We have received in just three weeks $102,950, which is terrific, with a further pledge of $50,000 a year for the next two years.

"People have given us their tip money and their savings, others have written letters saying their donation was all they could afford, but they hoped it would help.

"We have been really moved by the way individuals have pulled through for us.

It has been very touching and everyone involved in The Women's Resource Centre is very grateful.'' One donor, a hairdresser in Hamilton, who also did not wish to be named, handed the centre $1,000, which she had been saving from her tip money.

WRC's appeal raises $102,000 from public in a collection they organised themselves.

But Mrs. Dill said other people had told her they wanted to help and were organising fundraising events, so more donations may arrive later.

It costs the centre $15,000 a month to operate, so the rash of new financial support will see it through a little more than six months.

Its rent is high because it must be centrally located, and, in order to provide a professional service, it also employs qualified staff, including a lawyer, so must also pay payroll tax, as well as salaries.

However, as a charity, it receives little assistance and operates hand to mouth from month to month.

And the cash crisis became so bad in December last year, the centre was unable to pay its rent and staff wages. The shortfall in money came at a time when staff at the centre were pushed to the limit dealing with victims from a spate of violent and sex attacks across Bermuda.

The centre provides the only qualified service on the Island that can send counsellors to hospitals and Police Stations to assist victims in the very initial stages of an inquiry.

In the run-up to Christmas, counsellors were being called out in the early hours just about every weekend.

Between the end of August and December, there were more than 12 incidents and many of those victims are continuing to seek help from The Women's Resource Centre.

The latest cash donations will ensure that the service can continue for some months, but residents and businesses are being urged not to become complacent.

The centre could benefit greatly from a corporate sponsor, who could commit itself to providing financial support for the next three or four years.

Mrs. Dill added: "We are very grateful to those that have given -- this money will prove invaluable in seeing us through this very busy time.

"However, if there are any corporate businesses out there willing to help, we would be very thankful for some long-term backing, too.'' Former hotelier and restaurateur Mr. Barber read about the centre's plight in The Royal Gazette and decided to donate $50,000.

The Pembroke widower said he believed it was a very deserving cause.

He added: "I was quite taken aback to learn that charities in Bermuda have to pay payroll tax -- that cannot be right.

"I was very happy to donate the money because I know it is a worthy cause and I know it will be well used and very much appreciated.

"I just hope they can keep the service going.'' Anyone who would like to help should call the centre on 295-3882, or make cheques payable to The Women's Resource Centre and send them to the office at 58 Reid Street, Hamilton, HM12.