An anti-drugs charity has expanded its annual fundraising day into a month-long virtual experience.

Pride Bermuda, one of the island’s longest-standing charities, appealed to the public to find creative ways to donate and raise awareness of the organisation throughout September.

Truell Landy, the executive director of the organisation, said prizes would be given to whoever made the largest donation and to the individual who collected the most donations.

She added: “We encourage the public to make financial contributions to Pride Bermuda so that we can continue to provide students with the support they need to successfully navigate these challenging times.”

Donors will get a virtual sticker after they donate cash and were asked to share the stickers on their social media accounts and tag their friends to get them involved.

Ms Landy said that the charity hoped to raise $10,000 over the month to help fund educational programmes.

She added said that Pride was one of many organisations that suffered after the economic fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic cut donations.

Ms Landy said: “We have noticed the impact that global events are having on our families.

“We are living in challenging times and, like many organisations, Pride Bermuda continues to pivot and evolve to meet student needs amid the constant changes.”

Pride Bermuda was designed to teach young people about substance abuse and prevent drug addiction.

The charity has been in operation for 35 years and its most recent campaigns focused on prevention of drug use through building on practical skills.

Its programmes are offered in public and private schools, as well as through organisations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda and the North Village Community Club.

Samantha Smith, the programme supervisor for Pride, said that the charity had about ten programme organisers on board this year.

She added: “With our programmes, we are looking to build strong, resilient children, who become strong, resilient adults who have the knowledge and skills to manage the challenges of life and avoid addiction.”

Ms Smith said: “We have found that these programmes give children as young as five years old the knowledge to manage their feelings during stressful situations, improve their relationships with others and increase their critical thinking skills to make better decisions.

“This means that they are less prone to developing a problem with substance abuse and other high-risk behaviours by learning to manage difficult emotions and experiences.”

To donate to Pride Bermuda, visit https://www.pridebermuda.bm/donate