The Bank of Butterfield gave away about $200,000 to local good causes in the first three months of this year.

Nineteen charities benefited from the funds, according to Butterfield's president and CEO Alan Thompson. He said the current economic climate made it even more important for companies to give back to the community. "At the corporate and employee levels, we pride ourselves on providing support to causes that are encouraging progress and enriching lives in the communities we call home.

"For many years, it has been part of Butterfield's mission statement to be recognised as making a valuable contribution to the communities in which we operate. "We see no reason to stop this practice now. On the contrary, we plan on continuing to give back to the community throughout the remainder of 2009 and beyond."

The charities to receive donations were: Knowledge Quest, Bermuda Equestrian Federation Limited, Kappa Alpha Psi — Pee Wee Soccer Extravaganza, Women's Resource Centre, Age Concern, Centre for Talented Youth Bermuda, St. Peter's Church, St. David's Island Historical Society;

Bermuda Basketball Association, Outward Bound Bermuda, Bermuda Society for the Blind, Menuhin Foundation, Sunshine League, WindReach, National Dance Foundation, Bermuda Hospitals' Charitable Trust,;

The Family Centre, Bermuda Tennis Development Federation and the Coalition for the Protection of Children.