A charity has raised almost $50,000 towards its goal of $186,000 to help equip 1,200 students with back to school supplies.

Gina Spence Productions launched its tenth Each One Reach One programme, aimed at providing school uniforms and supplies to children and families who would otherwise go without, earlier this month.

The fundraising goal this year is $186,000 and today the total stood at a little over $48,000. The deadline to reach the goal is Friday.

The $186,000 will provide 1,200 students with fully-equipped school uniforms, including socks, underwear and backpacks.

Founder and director of Gina Spence Productions, Gina Spence, said the programme “could not have made it ten years without support from our community”.

“All we need to do now is get 500 people from our community of 60,000-plus people to donate $200 each,” Dr Spence said. “If 500 people would give a $200 donation, all 1,200 children on our list will be fully clothed for school.”

Dr Spence said that the charity has seen a greater community need than it had in previous years, which is why the fundraising goal was so high this year.

“Now that Covid is over, we are seeing the true fallout for parents, guardians and even for businesses,” she said. “However, we are very optimistic and believe that our community will pull through. It is our goal to outfit every child on our list, but we can only give what we receive.”

Gibbons Company has again partnered with the charity and CEO Cony Thompson said: “I know the struggles of what it takes to provide for one’s family and what it is like to be a kid who does not always have the best things in life.

“It is quite personal to me to be a part of this campaign and to be able to provide for other Bermudian children. I don’t think that there is a better thing to do than to help our children reach their full potential.”

Parents can drop off gently used uniforms at Gibbons’ Company children’s department on Church Street. If they donate, they will receive a $10 cash coupon for every $50 spent. The deadline to drop off clothes there is August 24, at 6pm.

People can also donate by visiting the organisation’s website or by calling 296 0016. They can also transfer funds to Butterfield Bank account number 0601613480018 or HSBC account number 002051928001.