The International Women’s Day Bermuda committee has banded together to answer an emergency request for assistance from the Women’s Resource Centre.

It has provided holiday gifts for ten families in crisis.

Katarina Hoskins and Wendy Percy, founding committee members who normally lead the annual March 8 International Women’s Day event in Bermuda, have for the past five years donated funds raised to the Women’s Resource Centre.

While the IWD mission was established to acknowledge, promote and commit to supporting equality for women in Bermuda and across the globe, the emergency call from the charity allowed it to assist "in uplifting women“, which is one of its key objectives.

Ms Hoskins said the pandemic had taught that difficult times really showcase true love and support from one woman to another.

Elaine Butterfield, executive director of the Women’s Resource Centre, and board member Alison Morrison, said the response to help the families enjoy the upcoming holiday season has been overwhelming and the generosity of so many companies, individuals and friend groups has been amazing.

They said the passion of the IWD committee to give back to the community “in a meaningful way and at a time when so many are in need is truly humbling. Women supporting women is important every day of the year but this year and during this difficult time it is even more important to provide additional support”.

Corporate and personal sponsors who “rose to this occasion and paid it forward” were ADL Management Service, Butterfield Bank, EY, Sovereign Asset Management Ltd, Tammy Richardson, Willis Towers Watson and WQ.

Next year, the International Women’s Day event will take place on March 8, and the theme is #ChooseToChallenge.

The IDW committee said in a statement: “From challenge comes change, whether calling out gender bias, discrimination or stereotypes. The IWD Committee will continue to choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements in Bermuda. If you would like to become involved in one of our committees or become a corporate sponsor please reach out to us on our Facebook page @IWDBermuda or Instagram iwdbermuda.”