Bermuda Optical Donates $6000 To Charities
The Bermuda Optical Company, established in 1955, celebrated its 60th anniversary this year by donating funds to two needy charities. On Tuesday, March 15th, a cheque presentation took place at the Bermuda Optical Company on Church Street, donating in total $6000. The Bermuda Society for the Blind and the Salvation Army received cheques for $3000 each.
The Bermuda Society for the Blind is a charity the Bermuda Optical Company has often donated to over the company’s history. On hand to accept the cheque for the Bermuda Society for the Blind were, Marlene Christopher, Marc Morabito and Sylvia Munro.
Also, in light of the Salvation Army’s recent shortfall in Government grants, the Directors said they were pleased to assist them at this time too. Divisional Commander Pittman accepted the cheque on behalf of the Salvation Army. Representing the Bermuda Optical Company were Managing Director, Mr Tim Kempe and Vice President, Mr Nicholas Comber making the cheque presentations.
“While the Government is striving to balance the budget, charities have been hit hard with reductions in grants and so it is up to the private sector to fill the gap and we encourage others to do the same,” the Directors said.
The Bermuda Optical Co was started by Mr William Coltman and Bill Kempe [founding partner of AS&K] at a time when the only place to buy glasses was at the hospital. Its first location was on Burnaby Hill and then moved to the Mechanics Building and has remained there for the last 55 years.
The company is fortunate to have loyal and dedicated staff who have worked there for between 28 and 46 years and has a 100% Bermudian staff, now led by optometrist, Mr Douglas Gilfether, the nephew of the late Mr William Coltman.
