Deloitte Bermuda has donated $50,000 to help with community efforts during the Covid-19 crisis.

Some of the money will go to the Bermuda Emergency Fund for Covid-19 disbursements critically needed across the community. The second portion has been used for purchasing emergency equipment for the hospital, specifically 3,600 personal protective cloth masks currently being handmade by up to 15 local artisans.

These reusable masks will ensure that each of the hospital’s 1,800 employees will have two cloth masks to protect themselves during their day-to-day activities on the front line, and to help prevent the potential spread of the virus.

John Johnston, Bermuda and Caribbean Region chief executive officer of Deloitte, said: “As a global organisation, Deloitte has donated over $5 million towards Covid-19 relief efforts so far, including the World Health Organisation’s Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund, which is working to understand the virus, recommend care, and accelerate treatment.

“In Bermuda, Deloitte is honoured to make this $50,000 donation to assist our local communities and to support our medical personnel.

“I would also like to take this opportunity on behalf of everyone at Deloitte in Bermuda to thank our healthcare workers and other frontline persons for their ongoing efforts and commitment.”

Myra Virgil, managing director of the Bermuda Community Foundation, said: “We are thrilled with Deloitte’s generous donation towards the Bermuda Emergency Fund and the work being coordinated by the Third Sector Coordinated Crisis Response Effort.

“Funds raised will go towards those with the most immediate need during the crisis including food security, senior services and support, mental health support and domestic violence.”

Deloitte is also helping organisations respond to and recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic through pro bono work.

The firm has set up an anonymous and complimentary financial helpline voluntarily staffed by the Deloitte Financial Advisory team.

Rachelle Frisby, financial advisory partner, said: “We could see that there was a need in the community, so we set up a free helpline for those wanting to talk through immediate financial options.”

The helpline is for anyone experiencing issues or uncertainty around personal or company finances.

Contact dfhbda@deloitte.com for further information