Two charities received a boost today through donations from the City of Hamilton.

A spokeswoman said the corporation’s social committee donated $3,000 to Focus Counselling Services and $2,000 to Teen Haven.

While the corporation usually raises funds for charities through a raffle at its staff Christmas party, because the party was cancelled the committee instead decided to donate the funds that had been earmarked for the party itself.

Kim Williams, the chairwoman of the city’s social committee, said: “We choose charities in the City which we feel represent our core values of inclusivity, integrity and accountability.

“Covid-19 has hit Bermuda’s charitable sector particularly hard and we wanted to do our part in providing financial support to those charities which assist our most needy populations.”

Leslie Grant, the executive director of Focus Counselling Services, said: “We are grateful for this donation and truly humbled by the show of support from the City of Hamilton.

“The donated funds will go towards supporting our drop-in centres, daily counselling, feeding and shower services.”

Michelle Wade, the Teen Services’ director said: “We are truly grateful to the City of Hamilton for their continuous interest and support.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has had a direct impact on young mothers and children and the support provided will be used to assist this population’s ongoing needs.”

A City of Hamilton spokeswoman added that the City also donated $10,000 to the Cathedral Feeding Programme and $5,000 to Tomorrow’s Voices over the Christmas period in instead of the traditional fundraising events.