BMA ‘Day Of Giving’ With Tomorrow’s Voices
In show of support for children and families throughout the community, the Bermuda Monetary Authority recently partnered with Tomorrow’s Voices, Bermuda Registered Charity # 816, to help raise funds in support of their programmes and services offered to children and young adults on the autism spectrum.
On Friday, 26 April, BMA staff wore their wacky socks to work in support of the charity’s 6th annual Autism ‘Rocks Socks’ fundraiser. The following Friday, 3 May, members of the BMA team volunteered their time to help with the Tomorrow’s Voices annual tag day at various locations around the City of Hamilton.
In honour of its five decades of service to Bermuda this year, the BMA has expanded its community outreach by partnering with a number of the island’s charities whose missions address five categories that include: children and families; arts and culture; the environment; education; and seniors. Tomorrow’s Voices was one of five charities that was identified as a benefactor for a ‘BMA Day of Giving’ – community service projects in which staff provide assistance to local charities through volunteering for specific projects that have been identified by the charity partner as an area of need.
In total, 21 non-profit organisations, including Tomorrow’s Voices, will benefit from monies raised by staff who participate in the BMA’s ‘Charitable Fridays’ throughout this year. These internal dress down days are scheduled twice per month and staff can wear business appropriate denim in exchange for a minimum donation to the designated charity partner for that date.
Shanna Lespere, Chief Operating Officer for the BMA, volunteered her time to assist with the charity’s tag day and said “Tomorrow’s Voices is special to me because I love interacting with children and have always dedicated at least a portion of my volunteer time in this space.
“Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to interact with several autistic children and most recently with a neighbour of mine. I know the important role that Tomorrow’s Voices plays in supporting Bermuda’s autistic children, young adults on the autism spectrum and their families, and that’s why I chose to volunteer for this BMA Day of Giving.”
Mesheiah Crockwell, BMA’s Director of Human Resources, highlighted the value of corporate involvement with providing charitable support. “Bermuda’s charities provide access to a significant number of resources throughout the community, including essentials for living, daily provisions, education, skills development and a wider range of services, programmes and activities.
“The non-profit sector in Bermuda is a critical lifeline for the well-being of all residents, especially those who are the most vulnerable. The more engaged Bermuda’s business sector is with the missions and delivery of programmes and services provided by our local charities, the better it is for everyone who calls our island home.”
She added that “Tomorrow’s Voices was chosen as one of the BMA’s charitable partners because of the significant impact they have on children and families living with autism. With cases of autism and other ‘special needs’ diagnosis on the rise at alarming rates, it is imperative that we, as a society, do everything possible to invest in teaching and developing skills for those whose abilities may be different.
“No child should be left behind, regardless of their level of functioning, and Tomorrow’s Voices provides critical services that influence their clients’ independence and ability to better interact with others in a variety of settings, including school, work and social. Likewise, Tomorrow’s Voices provides education and support for parents and caregivers, which results in healthier and happier homes for the children to grow and reach their full potential.”
Thea Furbert, Co-Founder and Chair for the Tomorrow’s Voices Board of Directors said “We are so grateful to have been chosen to partner with the BMA to support two of our Autism Awareness Month initiatives. These fundraising events are key in helping our Centre raise funds for the continued longevity of our services to children and families touched by autism and other developmental disabilities in the community.”
She continued by saying “It is due to the participation of the wonderful BMA staff during our Autism Rocks Socks Day as well as their staff volunteering their time to man spots during our Autism Tags It! tag day, that we were able to raise the much needed funds to provide services for our clients and their families. We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the BMA staff as their giving will truly have a positive impact on our Centre.”
