A Filipino support group has donated part of the proceeds of a festival last month that marked their homeland’s 126th independence anniversary.

Ryan De Jesus, president of the Association of Filipinos in Bermuda, and his deputy, Ebone Burt, handed over the cheque of $2,500 to Major Cathy Simms, the Divisional Commander of Salvation Army Bermuda, at the charity’s North Street Citadel.

The monies were the proceeds of a raffle that the association hosted on the day of the festival.

The Filipino group said: “Major Simms and her husband, Mr Darryl Simms, were overjoyed and she wants us to know their deepest appreciation for our thoughtfulness and generosity.”

The group said its executive officers were on hand to express “our Filipino community’s gratitude” to Salvation Army Bermuda.

It recalled that the charity provided weekly assistance to Filipinos during the pandemic when many were out of work.

The group said its executives “believe that this is the right time to give back the kindness of the Salvation Army”.

Preparations began in March for last month’s festival in Victoria Park, which showcased the culture of the Philippines including song and dance performances, accompanied by Original Pilipino Music.

The event attracted a large turnout and vendors ran out of some food within an hour of the its opening.

Meanwhile, Mr De Jesus said the association and Salvation Army Bermuda were in talks on how the group can support the charity’s mandate.

He said the group suggested that it could assist in food preparation and distribution, an exercise that takes place daily at the charity’s headquarters.

The group plans to host another event, OctoBeer Fest, this year.

Information on the event will be posted on the group’s Facebook page, the Association of Filipinos in Bermuda, the group added.