The 52nd Annual Gas-O-Rama fundraiser started its engines yesterday with the new Governor Rena Lalgie.

The fundraising event, organised by the Hamilton Lions Club in partnership with Terceira’s Rubis Service Station, will bolster two charities through a raffle and gas sales.

Ms Lalgie - who officially concluded her quarantine period on Sunday - said: “It feels really great to come out and support this sort of event.

“It honestly feels good to get outside, but it’s even better to be able to support initiatives like this that will benefit the community.”

She added that she looked forward to exploring more of the island and getting to know its people.

Peter McGlashan, president of the Hamilton Lions Club, said: “It feels great to give back to the community, and Terceira’s and Rubis have supported us all these years.

“This is going to be a great event and a great chance to give back.”

The annual Gas-O-Rama event began in 1969 through a partnership between the gas station’s former owner, the late Malcolm Terceira, and Edward (Teddy) Chapman, a member of the club.

In addition to selling raffle tickets, Lions Club volunteers pump gas for one day at the North Shore, Smith’s station in exchange for a portion of the day’s earnings and tips going to charity.

Since its inception, the event has raised more than $1 million for various charities, with the 2021 Gas-O-Rama scheduled for February 13.

Michael Terceira, the general manager of the service station, said: “It’s important to give back as much as we can, especially in the times that we are in this year and next year doesn’t look all that much better.

“This is something my grandfather started and my father continued. We feel it is important to keep it up and support the work of this year’s beneficiaries, the Bermuda Zoological Society and Vision Bermuda.”

Theresa Hall, executive director of Vision Bermuda, said: “The Lions have been so supportive of Vision Bermuda over the years and we are just grateful that they are doing it again this year.

“It’s going to make so much difference - it’s a difficult climate and fundraising is really challenging, and that’s why great events like this are going ahead despite the challenges.”

Colin Brown, BZS chairman, said the funds would support the charity’s educational programmes, which are offered for free to school children across the island.

He added: “It has been a hard year for fundraising and 2021 remains an unknown, but we will have to see how it turns out.”