$17,300 Worth Of School Supplies Donated
Support Public Schools, Bermuda has inspired supporters to purchase more than $17,300 worth of new school supplies to benefit Bermuda’s public schools this term.
A spokesperson said, “In addition, several thousand dollars’ 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 grateful teachers and students on June 9th and 10th.
“Since SPS was founded in 2018, approximately $700,000 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.
“The Bermuda legal fraternity will put on their sneakers to participate in the Bermuda Bar Association’s Annual Walk on Thursday June 11, 2026, supporting SPS for the third year in a row. Last year they raised more than $7,000 to purchase school supplies for Bermuda’s 15 primary schools.”
Bermuda Bar Association former President, Richard Horseman said, “The Bermuda Bar Association commenced the Legal Fraternity Annual Charitable walk in 2014 as a platform in which the legal fraternity could give back to the community. Of course, many law firms and lawyers have their own charitable programmes and give back in their own way, but the members and the Bar Council felt that it was important to organise this event to recognise the Bar Association’s commitment to helping those in need, particularly Bermuda’s youth.
“Support Public Schools is an extremely worthy recipient of this year’s event. A quality education is critical in preparing Bermudian students for future success, and SPS is assisting this need by providing resources teachers and students need for a well-rounded education. I am proud to have been involved with the former Bar Council who came up with the idea many years ago and delighted to see that the event has now solidified itself into a permanent annual event.”
The spokesperson said, “SPS was also delighted to once again receive support this year from the Bermuda Monetary Authority who purchased 12 cases of paper for public schools.”
Mesheiah Keane, BMA’s Chief Operations Officer said, “The SPS team consistently work with great dedication to ensure that our public-school teachers have the resources, tools, and support they need to succeed in the classroom. Your ongoing commitment makes a meaningful difference for both educators and students across our community. It is truly our pleasure to continue supporting this important work. We value the collaboration and the positive impact that Support Public Schools has in strengthening public education. We are indeed grateful for the opportunity to continue making our contributions in a way that helps in advancing these efforts.”
The spokesperson said, “Other generous supporters this year include a repeat $5,000 donation from Deloitte, as well as donations from Argus, Butterfield & Vallis, Legal & General Re, Challenger Banks Ltd., Bermuda Public Services Union, BELCO, Catalina Holdings, Ernest and Young, Expertise Group Limited, MS Reinsurance, Catalina Re, Canterbury Law Limited, BEDC, Chubb, and Everen.
“Sports in public schools was promoted by a repeat gift of footballs by Frankie Jr. and Susana Brewster of the ProShop. Special thanks also goes to Chubb for donating coffee mugs for public school teachers. Many companies also donated towards our Spring “paper drive” buying cases of printer paper, which delighted teachers call “gold”, with a total of 75 cases purchased and distributed to schools.”
St. David’s Primary Principal Mr. Gladstone Thompson said, “On behalf of the St. David’s Primary School community, I extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Support Bermuda’s Public Schools for your continued commitment to uplifting and strengthening public education across our island. Your dedication to supporting students, educators, and schools has made a meaningful and lasting impact. Through your advocacy, resources, and generosity, you help ensure that our public schools remain places where children can learn, grow, and thrive in a supportive and enriching environment.
“We are deeply thankful for the role you play in championing educational equity and excellence. Your efforts not only enhance learning opportunities for students but also inspire educators to continue their work with renewed purpose and confidence, knowing that our community stands behind us. Please accept our heartfelt thanks for all that you do in service of Bermuda’s public schools. Your support is truly valued, and we look forward to the continued positive difference we can make together.”
Francis Patton Principal, Todd Fox said, “On behalf of the students and teachers at Francis Patton School, we would like to thank you once again for your generous donation of school supplies for P4 and P5, Art and PE. Your kindness and continued support to provide valuable resources that enrich our students’ educational experiences are truly appreciated. We are grateful for your commitment to our school community and for making such a positive difference. The teachers and students of Francis Patton School sincerely appreciate your generosity and ongoing partnership.”
SPS founder and main organiser, Ms. Juliana Snelling thanked everyone stating, “The entire SPS team is thrilled to be making our second delivery of school supplies for the 2025/26 school year in our 8th year running. We are so grateful for our long-standing, as well as new supporters, who have given so generously which enables us to deliver critical and exciting supplies to all of Bermuda’s public primary schools. Our motivation in founding SPS, and a mission to which our entire team remains committed, 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 [Memo ref: SPS SUP003]. 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.”
