Bermudian-based Bacardi Limited distributed more than 250 grocery totes filled with food items and grocery vouchers to Bermuda bartenders who continue to be economically impacted by the Covid-19 crisis.

The largest privately held spirits company continues its global #RaiseYourSpirits initiative which pledged $3 million to bars and restaurants hard hit by the pandemic.

Bacardi Limited is headquartered in Bermuda and since the start of the pandemic, the company has supported the local bartending community with more than 1000 grocery vouchers, free virtual training, and access to other resources, including TIPS certification offered through CADA, a required certification for any bartender working in Bermuda.

Managing Director of the Bacardi office in Bermuda, Douglas Mello, said: “The impact of Covid-19 has created unprecedented hardships for people everywhere. We want to do our part to support our full-time hospitality partners who have had to endure financial uncertainty and loss of income.

“The holiday season can be an especially difficult time for those out of work and we want to help families come together and make special moments with their friends and family over a holiday meal. This is our time to serve those who serve us and to help bring some holiday cheer.”

A socially distanced drive-through, hosted at the Bacardi Limited Global Headquarters on Pitts Bay Road, saw more than 250 full-time bartenders collect grocery totes, in the form of a reusable insulated shopping bag, that were put together by Bacardi volunteers. The hampers were filled with goods to help prepare a Christmas meal, along with grocery vouchers to provide additional necessities.