A local organisation has delivered more than $28,000 worth of school supplies to 17 public primary schools.

Teams from Support Public Schools Bermuda delivered the supplies and educational items on Tuesday and Wednesday, including $23,000 of new purchases, more than $5,000 in paper supplies, as well as second-hand books, puzzles and learning games.

MIC Ltd also donated 12 computer monitors and a photocopier.

Since SPS was founded in 2018, more than $548,000 worth of new school supplies have been bought by SPS supporters for public school classrooms.

In addition, second-hand office and school supplies, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, including computers, furniture, books and games have been donated to all public schools.

The Bermuda Bar Association is a major new contributor. Under the patronage of Richard Horseman, the association’s former president, lawyers, judges and legal support staff were invited to join the “Legal Fraternity Charity Walk” on May 30, which resulted in the purchase of school supplies through SPS to the tune of $7,935.

Mr Horseman, on behalf of the Bermuda Bar Association, said: “It was a great pleasure to be among more than 100 members of the legal fraternity walking in support of public schools.

“A quality education for our public-school students is paramount, not only for their own futures but for Bermuda as a country.

“The Bar Association is excited to be purchasing approximately $8,000 worth of school supplies through SPS to enhance learning in the classroom.

“We hope that the teachers and students alike will be equally excited to receive these supplies to take them forward into the next school year, fully equipped for success.”

Lancashire Re also donated $6,250 worth of gardening supplies, including $3,500 worth of watering cans, garden shovels and rakes, garden gloves, vegetable seeds and Eco Caps to Harrington Sound School, and $2,750 worth of gardening supplies to Purvis Primary.

Louise Wells, chairwoman of the trustees of the Lancashire Foundation, said: “The Lancashire Foundation, funded by the Lancashire Group, supports a wide range of causes that have a positive impact in the local community and further afield.

“We are very pleased to be able to assist with these projects which will enhance the school environments and provide new and valuable learning experiences for the children.”

Enid Furbert-Jacobs, the acting principal at Purvis Primary, said its donation will significantly impact the students' learning experiences and the overall appearance of the school grounds.

She said: “The contribution will allow us to enhance the garden's infrastructure, purchase new tools and supplies, and introduce new plants and flowers to the space.

“These improvements will create a more visually-appealing environment for our students and staff, and provide valuable opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration. We are truly grateful for the support and are excited to see the positive impact it will have on our school community.”

Cindy Weeks, Harrington Sound Primary acting principal, added: “We recently celebrated Earth Day and this was definitely something positive to announce to the school during our regular Monday morning assembly.

“The HSPS Garden Club will also be thrilled to see that their requests have been filled. We cannot thank SPS enough for their advocacy and again Lancashire Re.”

Other generous supporters this year include Butterfield, The Meritus Foundation, the Green Family, Butterfield & Vallis, Deloitte, Argus, Zurich, Bermuda Skyport and Legal & General Reinsurance.

Juliana Snelling, SPS founder and main organiser, thanked all those who supported the drive.

She said: “Without their belief and support in enhancing a quality education for our public-school students, this project would not get off the ground and be sustainable each year.”

The goal of SPS is to equip Bermuda’s public-school students with the instructional resources that they need to enhance learning in the classroom.

Each year public school teachers provide SPS with “wish lists” of what will improve their classroom experience.