Six local charities are getting a dose of old fashioned Christmas spirit from stores located in the The Old Cellar on Front Street.

Joan Cabral, of Hera Boutique at 47 Front Street, has launched a Christmas tree campaign to help The Bermuda Reading Clinic, PRIDE Bermuda, Bermuda Sloop Foundation, Raleigh Bermuda, the Bermuda National Trust and the Continental Society. As part of the campaign these charities were given a potted cedar tree about four-feet high and $50 to decorate it to the theme of old fashioned Bermuda. The general public is encouraged to bid on the Christmas trees and ornaments. Customers at Hera, Gem Cellar, The Trustworthy Shop, and Stefanel on Reid Street are also given the opportunity or make a minimum $5 donation to one of the charities and in exchange receive discounts and incentives such as a glass ornament.

“We are calling it the give to receive promotion,” said Ms Cabral. “This decorating effort is to enhance the alley way, making it inviting and festive for the duration of the holiday season and at the same time, allow for the public to aid the charities and in return get something back after making a minimum donation of $5,” said Ms Cabral.

Masante Maryan Office Administrator for the Bermuda Sloop Foundation said they were grateful to be one of the beneficiaries of the event.

“Right now we are in dire straits like everyone else these days,” she said. “We are trying to keep going and keep our programme going. We believe in what we do and receive wonderful support from the community. It is just a matter of being able to keep the ship afloat.”

She said she and a volunteer had spent the last week cutting and pasting decorations for the tree.

“All of the trees down here look fantastic,” said Ms Maryan. “It is a really good incentive Joan Cabral has put together. I hope people do come out and support and get that money in for the charities.”

The Bermuda Sloop Foundation tree is decorated with pictures of young people from their programmes.

“We wanted people to know what the Spirit of Bermuda is about,” she said.

The Continental Society tree was decorated with old fashioned bubble lights and clothes pegs made into pretend people with real hair.

Members of the Continental Society said they had fun making the tree and talking about Christmases from long ago.

“In our day Christmas was more about a stocking and a candy cane and being together with your family,” said one volunteer. “It wasn’t so much about getting a lot of presents.”

There is now a bidding war going on for the Continental Society tree with one offer for it reaching $500.