A project that offers children of one-parent families an extra friend has received a cash boost to the tune of $1,500.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters, which arranges adult mentors for youngsters in Bermuda, was presented with the cash following a fund-raising day in July by Cellular One and Fresco's deli in Hamilton.

As neighbouring businesses, they joined together on Father's Day to help raise cash for children and thought the Big Brothers and Big Sisters scheme was an apt cause.

They each gave a percentage of their day's takings, which amounted to $1,500 between them, which will be used to help provide outings, activities and parties for the children.

Elaine Joe, marketing manager for Cellular One, said her company gave money for every call it had during the charity day.

She said: "We looked at what we wanted to sponsor this year and very much liked the idea of supporting our youth, so Big Brothers and Big Sisters seemed very apt.

"It's a very worthwhile cause and seemed to tie in very well with Father's Day.'' Claudio Vigilante, manager of Fresco's Restaurant and Wine Bar, said both businesses were delighted with the amount they raised.

He added: "The idea was for two very different businesses to do something together for the community and it worked very well. We hope the children enjoy themselves.'' Big Brothers and Big Sisters is an international non-profit-making organisation that has been running in Bermuda for 20 years.

Its aim is to provide an adult mentor to children who may be without a father or mother-figure in their lives.

There are currently 85 children on the Island that have mentors through the scheme, but 60 young boys are on a waiting list and 10 girls.

All they need is additional adult volunteers to come forward.

Martin Humphrey, vice president of the project, appealed for adults aged 21 and above to act as mentors to the youngsters, who primarily only have one parent.

He said they would ideally offer at least three hours a week to the child and would have to undergo a screening process first.

The organisation's Lisa Webb thanked Cellular One and Fresco's for their donations and said it was much needed.

She added: "We would really like to thank them for their help. This money will go a long way to help us serve the young people of Bermuda.'' For more information about the project, call 292-2802.

Helping hands: Elaine Joe (bottom left), from Cellular One, presents a cheque to Lisa Webb, from Big Brothers and Big Sisters mentoring project, while behind, Fresco's manager Claudio Vigilante (left) hands over his donation to the charity's Martin Humphrey.

FUND RAISER FNR