Over $47,450 Of Supplies Donated To Schools
Support Public Schools, Bermuda [SPS.bm] has mobilised community support to generate more than $47,450 in new school supplies and programmes for Bermuda’s public schools this term.
A spokesperson said, “Support Public Schools, Bermuda [SPS.bm] has inspired supporters to purchase more than $47,450 worth of new school supplies and programmes to benefit Bermuda’s public schools this term. In addition, approximately $5,000 worth of good quality second-hand office supplies have been donated by companies to help support teachers and administrators. The supplies will be delivered to excited teachers and students on January 20th and 21st.
“Since SPS was founded in 2018, approximately $675,000 worth of new school supplies have been purchased by SPS supporters to benefit public school teachers and students. In addition, hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of second-hand office and school supplies, including computers, furniture, sports equipment and apparel, books and games have been donated to all public schools.
“Butterfield remains the most generous supporter of SPS.bm since inception, this year repeating its purchase of $10,000 to help fulfill public school teachers’ ‘wish lists’ for much-needed school supplies.”
Jody Feldman, Butterfield’s Managing Director in Bermuda said: “We are proud to continue supporting the purchase of essential supplies to directly benefit Bermuda’s public schools, the teachers and the learning experience offered to students. Having partnered with the Support Public Schools team from the very beginning, we’ve witnessed firsthand the meaningful impact these contributions have. This initiative is all about investing in our community’s future and empowering the next generation to thrive.”
The spokesperson said, “Attorneys and court staff put on their sneakers to participate in the Bermuda Bar Association’s Annual Walk in May 2025 which supported SPS for the second year in a row. Proceeds raised in the amount of $7,150 went towards the purchase of school supplies.
“The CedarBridge Academy Vibe Tribe Club, an adolescent wellness and mental health initiative run by students, was ecstatic to receive a $4,000 donation from Meritus Trust [introduced through SPS] to support their endeavours.”
Ms. Angelita Outerbridge, Department Head of Student Services at CedarBridge Academy said: “Thank you so much to SPS for advocating for and facilitating the considerate and generous $4,000 donation from Meritus Trust in support of our Vibe Tribe Club. Your contribution will go a long way in helping us strengthen the club’s initiatives and ensure that we are able to meaningfully promote and support the mental health and well-being of our students. Thank you for investing in the mental health of our young people. We truly appreciate your partnership.”
The spokesperson said, “Repeat supporter Talcott Financial Group liaised through SPS to donate $5,000 to West Pembroke’s PTA charity to assist with strengthening literacy across all grade levels in the school. The donation assisted the school in expanding and enhancing their Guiding Reading collection which ensures every child has access to high quality, ‘just right’ books that match their reading level and spark their curiosity.”
Karen Gonsalves, Head of Reinsurance Operations at Talcott Re, and the lead of their Community Impact Committee in Bermuda said: “Supporting education is an important aspect of our commitment to Bermuda, and we are proud to contribute to this initiative that provides West Pembroke School students with the resources they need to grow as confident, capable, and lifelong readers.”
In response, West Pembroke School Principal, Mrs. Enid Furbert-Jacobs said: “The West Pembroke School Family is embarking on an exciting journey to strengthen literacy across all grade levels. In November, we launched a school wide literacy initiative focused on improving students’ reading skills through goal setting, parent partnerships, and community engagement. To ensure every child has access to high quality, “just right” books that match their reading level and spark their curiosity, we are working to expand and enhance our Guided Reading collection which is over fifteen years old.
“Talcott Re’s donation to our PTA Charity, as well as the generous purchases of school supplies by Butterfield and other supporters of Support Public Schools, will directly help us provide our West Pembroke School students with the resources they need to grow as confident, capable, and lifelong readers. Together, we can build a stronger foundation for literacy and education generally that will benefit current and future generations of West Pembroke students. We deeply appreciate your commitment to our school community and your belief in the importance of education. Please accept our sincere gratitude for your generosity and partnership.”
The spokesperson said, “SPS was also delighted to receive support this year from Everen Group who magnanimously purchased $5,000 worth of school supplies.”
Said Karyn Peixoto, Chief Human Resources Manager: “At Everen Group, we recognise the financial pressures that Bermuda’s high cost of living places on many families, and we are delighted that our donation through Support Public Schools will help to create a more positive school experience for students and their families.
“Everen Group is committed to giving back to the Bermuda community and expanding opportunities for young people. Support Public Schools is one of several initiatives we are proud to stand behind. We hope that by supporting SPS’ mission to contribute school and office supplies to Bermuda’s public schools, we can help make a meaningful and lasting contribution to public education and the future of Bermuda’s youth.”
The spokesperson said, “Other generous supporters this year include The Green Family, Deloitte, Butterfield & Vallis, Wakefield Quin, Canterbury Law Limited, The Platinum Group and ABS.”
Said Mr. Crenstant Williams, former Acting Principal of Port Royal Primary: “On behalf of the administration, staff, students, and parents of Port Royal Primary School, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to you for your generous donation of school supplies to our P4 and P5 classes. Your support has made a meaningful difference in the daily learning experience of our students. The supplies you provided have helped ensure that our classrooms are well-equipped and that our students have the tools they need to thrive academically and creatively. Your thoughtful contribution sends a powerful message to our children — that their education matters, and that the wider community is invested in their success. At a time when resources are stretched and the needs of students continue to grow, your partnership with our school helps bridge important gaps. We are especially grateful that SPS Bermuda chose to support not just education, but also the spirit of community that lies at the heart of all we do here at Port Royal. We truly value your commitment to Bermuda’s young people, and we look forward to the continued positive impact of this meaningful contribution.”
SPS founder and main organiser, Ms. Juliana Snelling thanked everyone stating: “On behalf of the SPS team, we are thrilled to be in our 8th year of rallying companies and people to purchase school supplies for our public schools. Of course, none of this would be possible without the generous contributions of our supporters and our small team of volunteers. Special thanks go once again to our biggest supporter, Butterfield, who continues to give whilst encouraging other organisations to follow suit. Our mission at SPS is to ensure that Bermuda’s young students have the instructional resources they need to thrive in a stimulating, creative and fun school environment. The entire community has a vested interest in putting education first and providing every opportunity we can to help shape our future leaders. Our twice-yearly deliveries contribute to enhanced learning experiences and outcomes, and we are always grateful for the many letters of thanks and appreciation we receive from principals, teachers and students.”
The spokesperson said, “Each year public school teachers provide SPS with “wish lists” of what will improve their classroom experience. This year the items included fidget chair bands, electric sharpeners, board games, STEM Kits, CDs for Listening Centers, wobble cushions, noise cancelling headphones, geometry sets, laminators, sand timers and more. Supporters can respond to the specific classroom need that inspires them. These items are then made available for purchase at discounted prices by SPS’ two retail suppliers, AF Smith Ltd. and Phoenix Group Ltd. The stores then deliver the supplies directly to the classrooms free of charge on designated delivery days overseen by SPS.bm volunteers.
“Principals, teachers, and students then send thank-you letters describing how the supplies are helping to improve the classroom experience. Supporters can visit website SPS.bm to read moving letters from principals, teachers and pupils who attest to how the SPS supplies are being put into amazing use.
“Donations are welcomed throughout the year. Supporters can make online purchases on the SPS.bm website with a credit card or make a bank transfer to AF Smith Ltd: BNTB A/C 20006060173876100 [Memo ref: SPS SUP003] or HSBC A/C 010715613001 [same memo]. Alternatively, they can purchase supplies themselves and drop them off to SPS at the address below. Second-hand good quality office and school supplies including computer equipment and furniture are also welcomed.
“SPS.bm is proud to have been selected as the 2024 Winner of the Meritus Foundation Award which recognises community leaders helping people and planet and demonstrating values of passion, courage, humility and empathy. Ms. Snelling was also recognised in the 2025 King’s Honour’s List with a King’s Certificate and Badge of Honour for her work through SPS and the Grateful Bread to help those in need in our community.
“To learn more, visit the website SPS.bm or email SPSteam@sps.bm or tel. 296-8444 at Canterbury Law Ltd., a proud supporter of SPS.bm.”
The problem with these donations is that we already pay taxes to support the schools, which include supplies. Government has come to expect these donations and spends money elsewhere.
“we already pay taxes to support the schools, which include supplies”.
That is true. But no where is it said that any of your (or my) tax dollars will be spent on education. Ministers must make trips to Paris and Brussels and Davos and we must pay for those trips before our children or grandchildren (in my case) are educated.
Spending on Education is in the annual Fudgeit.
You know perfectly well that the annual Fudgit is nothing more than a publicity stunt. It does not commit the Government to anything. It is an estimate and statement of good intentions, nothing more.
Why are people donating when they are already struggling to make ends meet? This should be assisted by wealthy politicians not by struggling families