A fundraising drive by the Bermuda Visitor Services Centres has aided a community effort to support restaurant workers hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The “Purchase with a Purpose” campaign kicked off May 20 in the run-up to Bermuda Day and ran through June 30.

Residents to show pride by buying official Bermuda merchandise from the centres, operated by the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

For every sale, 25 per cent went to “Serving the Servers” — a relief project set up by Thomas Olunloyo, chief executive of Legal & General Reinsurance, helped by the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, to support restaurant staff, with $750 raised.

Karla Lacey, the BTA’s chief operations officer, said the project showed the ability of the Visitor Services Centre team to “pivot in the face of unforeseen circumstances, while extending their delivery of quality customer services in support of their industry colleagues”.

The BTA contribution brings to $23,500 the total amount of funds raised to date for Serving the Servers.

Some $18,200 in grocery vouchers has already been distributed.

Mr Olunloyo said: “The coronavirus pandemic has had a lasting impact on the hospitality sector, and we are grateful to the BTA and all the individuals and organisations that donated to Serving the Servers.

“We launched this campaign during a time of great need for Bermuda’s restaurant workers and our final distribution will be taking place this week. Now that Bermuda has reopened, we hope you will continue to support local restaurants.”

Top-selling BVSC products included custom Bermuda S’well bottles, Bermuda beach towels, and children’s “Ace Girl” & “Ace Boy” T-shirts.

Visitor Services Centre staff organised orders for next-day kerbside pick-up from the Hamilton centre’s Front Street location, and delivery for bulk orders.

Jakai Franks, the BVSC manager of operations, thanked all the supporters of the initiative, adding: “Your generosity has allowed us to give this donation to restaurant workers in need.”

The Hamilton location reopened when commercial flights to the island resumed on July 1.

Its present hours are 10am to 2pm daily. For now, the island’s two other Visitor Services Centres, in St George’s and Dockyard, will open only for specific events.

For more information, contact: VSCinfo@bermudatourism.com