HSBC Bermuda and The Coalition for the Protection of Children are joining forces for the first time to deliver the annual island-wide ‘Toys for Tots’ campaign, now in its 16th year.

Since its inception in 2002, the Bermuda community has continued to respond generously each year, with over 2,000 toys donated in 2017 alone. The Charity is appealing to the local community this year for not only toy donations but also items which may continue to help those families outside of the holiday period. This initiative will welcome donations such as newborn items, bulk toiletry items, utility/grocery vouchers gift certificates, childrens’ clothes,school uniforms and supplies,etc. Monetary donations to the Coaltion for the Protection of Children are also welcomed, which will support the Charity’s 2019 Breakfast Program and their provision of educational support services.

Clesia Pachai, Community Investment Manager, HSBC Bermuda states, “We are very pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the Coalition for the Protection of Children on this important annual initiative. The holidays represent a time of generousity, family and community. It is a time of year when many of us engage in the joys of giving and receiving and also humbly recognise that some families in our community may not be as fortunate as we are. This programme helps ensure that those families and children experiencing hardships are supported over that period. A campaign of this magnitude is only as successful as the strength of its partnerships and we look forward to our continuing working relationship with the Coalition for the Protection of Children to deliver a successful initiative.

“On behalf of HSBC Bermuda, I would like to thank all of the retail vendors and corporate entities who will be supporting the programme through the collection of toys and items of necessity from November 5th through November 30th. Additionally, we wish to recognize the staff at Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty for their ongoing support since the inception of the programme and over the corporate donor transition.”

Kelly Hunt, Executive Director, the Coaltion for the Protection of Children commented, “The Coalition is thrilled by the generous support for the Toys for Tots Program and would like to thank Coldwell Banker and everyone who has participated in the initiative over the years.We are very pleased to be working with HSBC to deliver this holiday cheer to our families for 2018. Christmas can be a particularly stressful

time for our families who are struggling to make ends meet. Thankfully, the community demonstrates its philanthropic spirit each year and helps to alleviate some of that stress. Another fantastic aspect of Toys

for Tots is the impact it has on our young people in terms of instilling the spirit of giving. We are excited to continue this initiative in partnership with HSBC and look forward to another successful year .”

The Toys for Tots campaign launches island-wide from November 5th through to November 30th. Donated items can be dropped off at the following participating retail vendors: The Annex Toys, Price Rite (both locations), Gorham’s, Arnold’s Discount Warehouse, People’s Pharmacy and across all HSBC bank branches.

• Press release from HSBC Bermuda