“We Face An Unprecedented Challenge”
The Gina Spence Program extended its donation deadline to August 30, 2024, saying “regrettably, this year’s financial support has fallen to an all-time low” and “we face an unprecedented challenge.”
A spokesperson said, “The Gina Spence Program, in partnership with Gibbons Company, is honored to announce the return of our annual Each One Reach One Back to School event. For over a decade, this initiative has been a pillar of support for Bermuda’s youth, providing essential school uniforms to those in need. This year, however, we face an unprecedented challenge—and we need your help.
A Critical Call for Support
“Regrettably, this year’s financial support has fallen to an all-time low. In our 12 years of hosting this cornerstone event, we have never encountered such a shortfall in donations. This shortage is likely due to a combination of economic difficulties, reduced giving capacities, and the recent impact of Hurricane Ernesto. Despite these challenges, we remain optimistic that Bermuda will come together to support this vital cause.
“We have made the difficult decision to extend our donation deadline to Friday, August 30th, 2024, in hopes of raising the necessary funds to support the over 500 children currently registered. Without immediate assistance, many of these children will be placed on a waiting list, and with the school year fast approaching, time is of the essence.
How You Can Help
“With just $138, you can sponsor a child, providing them with a First Day Starter Kit that includes a shirt, bottom, socks, a multipack of undervests and underpants, and a backpack. This small investment can make a world of difference in a child’s confidence and readiness for the new school year. No donation is too small—every dollar counts and brings us closer to our goal.
Uniform Recycling Initiative
“In addition to financial contributions, parents can support our Uniform Recycling Initiative by donating gently used school uniforms to Gibbons Company’s children’s department. For every $50.00 spent, donors will receive a $10.00 cash coupon. The deadline for uniform drop-off is Wednesday, August 21st, 2024, by 6 PM.”
GSP CEO Gina Spence said, “This year, the need is greater than ever, and the resources are fewer. We are facing an unprecedented shortfall in funding for our Each One Reach One Back to School Program, and the impact is devastating. With over 500 children already on our waiting list, we are at risk of turning away the very kids who need us most.”
Gibbons Company CEO Tony Thompson stated, “Gibbons Company is truly honored to partner with the Gina Spence Program for their Back-to-School Campaign for the past 12 years. This charity has worked tirelessly, year after year, and we urge the community to join us in supporting their mission to help local children in need.”
Join Us in Making a Difference
The spokesperson said, “We urge the community to come together in support of our youth. Whether you choose to sponsor a child, donate gently used uniforms, or spread the word about our campaign, your contribution will have a lasting impact on the lives of Bermuda’s children.
Event Details:
- Donation Deadline: Friday, August 30th, 2024
- Distribution Day: Saturday, August 24th, 2024
- Location: CedarBridge Academy Cafeteria
Banking Details for Donations:
“For direct bank transfers, please visit www.gspcharity.com or call 1-441-296-0016.
- BNTB: 060-1613480-018
- HSBC: 002-051928-001
- Memo: EORO2024
“Due to the recent hurricane, we are still without power at our office. However, you can WhatsApp call and message us on 1-441-296-0016.”
You’re facing this challenge because these same parents are out there buying and smoking weed, which includes drinking alcohol every bloody weekend. Place your energy into stopping or at least putting a dent in this disastrous behavior.
Somebody spoke up about it. Was there a demand for 2nd hand Carnival outfits..no way? They find that money. Already have free school breakfast free uniforms and the list goes on. Sounds like an ideal place to live util they hit the wall and discover that the rest of life is not free and they lack skills to save and sacrifice.
“This shortage is likely due to a combination of economic difficulties, reduced giving capacities, and the recent impact of Hurricane Ernesto.”
I would agree. And I would add that the departure of many of the people who would benefit from your wonderful programme might also be a contributing factor.
People are leaving the island and taking their money with them.
Burt and Hayward keep telling us the economy is doing well. However programmes such as these clearly show the realty. Bermudians are not doing well and need continuing and more handouts. The big question then – is the money being spent for necessities? Taxpayers can not provide endless amounts of tax to pay for the “free” handouts by Government.
“Burt and Hayward keep telling us the economy is doing well.”
Our economy is doing so well that inflation here is lower than it is in the United States!
Joe, get your head out of the sand
Since the down turn in our economy more an more people will look to charity only to be disappointed by the fact that charity givers are also living on charity.
i though it might be a good idea to run behind a bus into town in order to save little money.
We also thought that if we had no children we could save a bob or two and also cut back on napkins there would be a tremendous savings , but unfortunately nothing seems to work.
At 88 and with the cat’s mother 85 we are still cutting our lawn,what took two hours back then now takes three days with the second day as a rest day for our tired old bones.
TV sucks no relief there , they all have guns. you never get to see the funerals .
What we that is you and I are going through these days is not exactly hardship like it was during WW TWO .
Unfortunately our young people are not helping much that is some what disappointing there is the future gone up in smoke eventually the young will be for seniors and they will pay the price it is written in the wind as noting is free.
I never invisioned that 2023 & 2024 was going to be the worst years of our lives for some not all.
there a 7 or isit8. hurricane this year that is not very encouraging.
Faith hope love and charity and the greatest of them all is a piece of toast soaked in gravy and to pretend it is a tenderloin.
Faith, is the red head girl next door that plays the violin
Love is Hope, for a better life which will not long lost
Charity , we gave it all away.
The secret to it all is when and your deams come true .
Get a job !
“I thought it might be a good idea to run behind a bus into town in order to save little money.”
Next time run behind a taxi and save a whole lot more …. lol
Responsibility is the key word. Now charities give with good intentions so parents lsy back and complain. A nice life.
Toodle-oo
I thought that it would be a good idea to say some a little stupid here even if it gets a smile and that is if Bernews can put up with a little frivolity once in a while, after all life all bt a big joke any way.
A tom cat and his girlfriend Elizabeth are planing to have their wedding on alllllllgirls point,
no Daugs will be invited, some thing about difference between a bark and a meow.
Thought followed a muck cart and thoaught it was a wedding. well i never !
The day we stop laughing which make the pain go away, is also the time to moaning a groaning about the little things on life, why sweat the small stuff ?
I told all the cashiers at Gorhams that some where near the Barbary’s Park was having a beauty contest at 4 .0 pm . that brought great joy an excitement. To day application were available for $300 . each , and first prize would be $2.99 -
On a more seiouse note .
BERNEWS.
Manaement and the Staff of Bernews.
I hope I am not the last to congratulate Bernews and their wonderful staff for an absolute and with out doubt did fantastic job covering the last Hurricane it is greatly appreciated, we see here and exibition of comunications with enthusiasm by those who did absolute rendition of pure journalastic excellence.
” Thank you !”