The public is being urged to help support an annual raffle that has raised more than $1.7 million for the island’s public schools.

The Pembroke Rotary Club says the pandemic has hindered its ability to sell tickets and a spokesman said: “Covid-19 restrictions have made it difficult for students to get out into the community and sell their tickets.

“The Pembroke Rotary Fair, another annual ticket sales opportunity, has been cancelled in 2021 due to Covid.

“Given the decreased exposure and opportunity for ticket sales, Pembroke Rotary Club is asking the community to help keep this fundraiser alive by purchasing raffle tickets from the schools or PRC directly.”

Several school heads praised Pembroke Rotary for its work and said the raffle had helped to purchase supplies, advance teacher training and more.

Wendell Smith, deputy principal of Pembroke Primary, said funds raised through the initiative have recently helped the school increase it’s IT support.

He added: “Funds from the raffle have also enabled our teachers to participate in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Schools training.

“This training assists staff in creating a more empathetic and nurturing atmosphere within the school. “

Gladstone Thompson, principal of St David’s Primary, said the raffle fundraiser helped the school purchase a projector and kindles for the classroom.

Diane Simmons, deputy principal at Elliot Primary, said the funds had been used to purchase a range of supplies including printers, benches, books and physical education equipment.

Those who enter the draw are eligible to win a range of prizes, including hotel stays, a motorbike, a mountain bike, an iPhone, a Fitbit, a 55 inch television, food vouchers, utility vouchers and more.

The spokesman said that until March 12, anyone interested in purchasing $5 raffle tickets can do so by calling representatives at the schools.

Those contact details include:

· Dalton E Tucker Primary – 478-3312

· Elliot Primary – 236-3091

· Francis Patton Primary – 478-3303

· Gilbert Institute – 236-4246

· Harrington Sound Primary – 293-0561

· Heron Bay Primary – 238-0556

· Northlands Primary – 478-3309

· Paget Primary – 478-3316

· Port Royal Primary – 478-3313

· Prospect Primary – 478-3318

· Purvis Primary – 478-3315

· St David’s Primary – 478-3321

· Victor Scott Primary – 478-3304

· West Pembroke Primary – westpembrokepta@gmail.com.

Tickets can also be bought from Pembroke Rotary through Barbara Edwards at 236-8862 or barbhe39@gmail.com.