A charity dedicated to ending homelessness was gifted a wealth of unused food items in the aftermath of event cancellations last weekend.

While the City of Hamilton was scheduled to host the Taste of Bermuda All-White Ball on October 19, deteriorating weather conditions forced the celebration to be scrapped.

Together with the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, the City donated food intended for the ball to Home, which in turn distributed it to charitable partners and families in need.

Jessica Astwood, the City’s director of marketing and communications, said: “Supporting our community is at the heart of everything we do.

“In times like these, it's important to ensure that resources don’t go to waste but instead go to those who need them most.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with Home and Hamilton Princess & Beach Club in making a meaningful contribution to those facing difficult times.”

Denise Carey, the chief executive of Home, added: “We are immensely grateful to the City of Hamilton for acting considerately and quickly to ensure this food reached vulnerable people who are struggling to cope with the high cost of food and rent in these difficult times.

“This donation was a wonderful surprise for the recipients, who included families with young children, men and women experiencing homelessness, and seniors in need.”

Ms Carey urged other event organisers to follow the City’s lead and said: “By pre-planning the management and distribution of surplus food, they can bring relief to more people in extreme need.”

Oral Barnett, Home’s renting ready co-ordinator, said the donations helped to make the charity’s clients feel valued and supported.

“With food prices on the rise, these contributions help ease the financial burden on our clients, giving them more flexibility in their budgets and reducing stress as they work towards secure and stable living,” he added.

Devray Denwiddie, a case manager for the charity, said the Salvation Army Emergency Shelter, Harbour Light, Franklyn House and the Transformational Living Centre for Families were among the groups to benefit.

He added: “Your contributions made a meaningful difference to single mothers, fathers and their children, as well as larger families facing difficult times.

“It’s partnerships like yours that enable us to continue our mission to support those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.”

The City has said it was working with Ptix to provide refunds in the coming days to all patrons who purchased tickets or tokens for the cancelled City Hall All-White Ball and the Tasting Village: Festival of Flavours.