BIG Brothers and Big Sisters of Bermuda (BBBS) received a $1,000 boost from a Caribbean-based charity.

The Caribbean Cable and Telecommunications Association (CCTA) made the donation as part of its 2006 Community Charities Programme. The local charity was nominated for the award by Bermuda CableVision, a member of the CCTA.

"I am extremely pleased to accept this donation on behalf of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Bermuda," BBBS board member Martin Humphrey said.

"We are grateful to Bermuda CableVision for nominating us and to the CCTA for giving our organisation this grant. We will use these funds to help us continue to enrich the lives of the children we serve through positive mentoring and guidance."

The BBBS works mainly with children from single-parent homes, pairing them with adult volunteers who serve as role models.

Previous recipients of the CCTA award have included the Women's Resource Centre and Hope Homes. The Community Charities Programme was established in 1993 and has since awarded more than $150,000 to worthy organisations. The programme traditionally awards ten grants annually, but 14 grants were awarded last year because the charities nominated were all considered deserving.

Said Edward Cherwinski, chief financial officer of Bermuda CableVision: "Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Bermuda is providing an important service to the community.

"We commend everyone involved with the organisation for their part in helping to teach our children values, responsibility and the importance of having fun. We are confident that this small gift will be put to good use."