The Berkeley Institute took part in a charity walk, bake sale and grub day to raise money for a worthy cause.Students and staff enthusiastically worked to present a cheque for $9,000 to Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre on Friday. Principal Michelle Simmons said she was “delighted” to see the money handed over during the school’s Prefect Induction assembly.“We know that these funds will be put to good use,” said Mrs Simmons.The cash was part of an annual effort to give back to the community and aims to teach students the importance of helping others less fortunate.“Every year we encourage our students to give to charitable causes, especially around Christmas when the community as a whole is focused on giving.“Since our young people receive so much, we feel it important to teach them how to give and to look out for those in society who may need their assistance.“I think that most families in Bermuda have someone who has been affected by cancer, and Bermuda Cancer and Health was the charity to which we decided to channel our Christmas giving. In many ways, all of us have a vested interest.”Students made special ornaments at Christmas, which they sold to students and parents in remembrance of a loved one who has battled the disease.The ornaments were hung on the school’s tree until the season was over. Upon request, some were returned to the buyer as a memento of their loved one.Students also participated in a pink and blue themed casual day and were asked to contribute $3.Some students “very generously” gave much more than they were asked, said Mrs Simmons.On the last day of school before the holiday, they walked from the east and west ends of the Island to school and were given punch cards to raise cash.Mrs Simmons said: “It was good to see the enthusiasm of the participants, both students and teachers, on a cold, showery day. The funds from these three events have been pooled.”Ashley DaCosta, of Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, received the cheque on behalf of the charity last week.She said the organisation was “genuinely surprised at the size of the donation” and “equally impressed by the range of the events and the level of school spirit demonstrated”.Ms DaCosta said the money would be used to upgrade diagnostic equipment and patient support services at the centre, which is trying to raise $750,000 in two years to advance the level of cancer healthcare available on the Island.Useful website: http://www.cancer.bm/