Positive feedback to a story about Sylvester Jean-Pierre’s desire to give back to Bermuda by creating limited edition pendants to benefit charities has inspired the well-known Island runner to build on the goodwill momentum.

He has set aside 20 of the 47 sterling silver pendants for companies and business who make a donation to an Island charity of their choice in the run-up to Christmas.

In return, Mr Jean-Pierre will present the company with one of the ‘Dream Brings Hope’ lock and key pendants.

He created the items as a thank you to Bermuda for all it has done for him since he came to the Island 29 years ago.

After securing a job at the former Sonesta hotel Mr Jean-Pierre arrived on the Island in 1985 and was able to earn enough to fulfil what he terms his “modest dream” of affording to pay for private healthcare for his pregnant girlfriend (now his wife) back in Barbados.

He was so struck by the hospitality and friendliness of Bermuda’s people that he has lived on the Island ever since, returning to Barbados a few months each year to be with his family.

He has been taken to heart by the people of Bermuda. It is here he took up road running and he has been one of the Island’s fastest for the past 20 years, including a top three finish in the May 24 Half Marathon Derby in 2003 when he was in his 40s.

His love and respect for Bermuda and her people, and his appreciation for all they have done to make his own dreams a reality was the reason he created the ‘Dream Brings Hope’ pendants and accompanying poem with the intention of giving proceeds to charity.

Mr Jean-Pierre was touched by the warm reaction to his story, published in last Friday’s Royal Gazette. He received feedback from as far away as Washington DC.

Now he wants to build on that momentum.

His personal motto is “Those who receive shall also learn to give”, and he believes many companies that have succeeded in Bermuda will want to give back in some way to the Island.

He has earmarked 20 pendants for any companies and businesses that make a donation to a charity of their choice.

“It is to show that there is hope. Instead of Santa Claus coming down the chimney this year he will be coming through the door because has the key to the lock [the pendant].

“The companies don’t have to say how much they are donating. Once they make the donation, and the charity informs me, I will present them with one of the pendants,” said Mr Jean-Pierre.

“The name of the pendant is ‘Dream Brings Hope’ and the companies and businesses can show Bermuda and the world that they are passing on that dream and hope and leading from the front.”

Any companies or businesses interested in making a donation to a charity and receiving one of the pendants, and individuals interested in purchasing one of the remaining pendants, should contact Mr Jean-Pierre on 336 7691 or e-mail: sillisly@hotmail.com