Fourteen families in need will receive a holiday boost with the help of a $40,000 donation from Deloitte Bermuda.

The donation was used to purchase vouchers for electricity, gas and groceries, as well as childrens’ gift hampers for each family. Additionally, to provide a complete festive experience, a portion of the funds was used to purchase Christmas stockings and a holiday meal for each of the families.

The families were all in the Family Centre’s “Adopt A Family” programme.

Rachelle Frisby, partner and co-chairwoman of Deloitte’s Corporate Social Responsibility Committee said: “Staff were grouped into teams and assigned to specific families. They purchased items from a wish list provided by each family, including dolls, toy cars/trucks, action figures, outdoor sports items, games, and arts and crafts.

“Once the items were purchased, team members enthusiastically used their gift-wrapping skills to ensure that these presents, as well as stocking stuffer items, were creatively packaged.”

The Family Centre was founded in 1990 to strengthen families and support systems to create a healthier Bermuda for children. The charity provide early intervention services, counselling and support services.

Susan Richardson, director of counselling services, said Deloitte’s donation “certainly made our day” and that Family Centre staff were “humbled by this gift for families”.

Sandy De Silva, the Family Centre’s executive director, said: “Deloitte staff have yet again shown their enormous generosity for those in need during the holiday season. They have helped to ensure that multiple families who receive Family Centre counselling services are stabilised this season through having support to buy groceries and other essentials, while also being able to place gifts for children under the tree for that special Christmas morning moment.

“The family recipients are filled with gratitude and, most of all, hope, to know that partners such as Deloitte in our own community care about their wellbeing and whether they can actually enjoy the holidays despite the daily challenges they face.” Dr De Silva added that this type of kindness shown to neighbours is priceless as the ripple effects help to strengthen communities and thus the country.

John Johnston, chief executive officer, Bermuda and Caribbean Region said: “The partners and staff of Deloitte Bermuda feel privileged to be able to bring some holiday relief to families in need.

“The past year has taught all of us the importance of compassion and looking out for those in our community who might need a helping hand. We commend the Family Centre on its important work in Bermuda, and are pleased to support its Christmas holiday initiative this year.”