The management team at Riddell's Bay Golf and Country Club has forgone part of the Christmas bonus to give money to charity.

Dennis Paul, Lesley Kirkpatrick, Hattie Armstrong, Alan Millar, Graham Williams, Joshua Breda and Anthony Mocklow decided to donate more than $2,000 for the Bermuda Red Cross.

According to General Manager Mr. Paul, it was important for the group to do something more meaningful this year. "Christmas has become so commercialised over the years and is about what someone is buying for someone else.

"I had the idea 'what if as a GM I was not going to buy gifts for the management team' but gave it to people less fortunate?'"

The Royal Gazette is highlighting their efforts as part of our 'Dare to Care' campaign, which profiles individuals and organisations going beyond the call of duty to show they care for others.

The campaign aims to encourage the public to get involved with acts of kindness whether it be helping an elderly neighbour with their grocery shopping or hosting a neighbourhood trash clean up.

The management team at Riddell's Bay each planned to give a small chunk to the charity of their choice, but decided to give a large donation by pulling one charity name out of a hat.

According to administration manager Ms Kirkpatrick, not one person in the group hesitated. "We all thought it was a very good idea. There are so many people out there that are less fortunate, so I think that it's important to make the burden less for somebody else."

She continued: "We've never done it before. It's the first time we ever thought of it but it might be something we might do from here on out.

"I think at this time of year it is simply pay it forward. I think people are generally good natured. Particularly at this time of year people tend to be a little more focused on it."

Ms Kirkpatrick added: "It was money well spent. I can only speak for myself, yes there is something else I could have done with the money. But I won't miss it in terms of regretting doing it."

Ann Spencer Arscott of the Red Cross said: "First of all, it is always very thoughtful when people think of the Red Cross. At this time of year it is even more important because any charity or organisation could have been selected.

"This year in particular it has been tough for all charities, so every dollar counts and helps to go to causes the charity is funding.

"Because it's a tough time and hard for anyone to give up money they could be using to buy presents or gifts or use toward themselves, it is that much more thoughtful and generous a donation."

l Are you or someone you know doing something positive in the community? Let us know by contacting nadiaroyalgazette.bm or call 278-0157.