With Cup Match just over a month away, The Family Centre is now canvassing companies for bulk orders of its popular team ribbons, with the suggestion that they be used as give-aways to staff, clients and customers.

“Could there be a nicer way of saying ‘Thank You’ for their loyalty and patronage, and to wish them a great Cup Match holiday?” development director Elizabeth Ward asks.

The ribbons are a major fund-raiser for the registered charity, and the earlier delivery date is in response to popular demand.

“We have found that companies and individuals want their ribbons much earlier every year, and in order to accommodate them will be delivering all orders during the week of July 16, so please get your orders in by July 10,” Ms Ward says.

As always, the greater the number of ribbons purchased, the lower the price per item. If not already received, order forms are available from The Family Centre — tel. 236-0607 or e-mail giving[AT]tfc.prevention.bm

Cheques should be made payable to The Family Centre, and must be received well ahead of the July 16 delivery deadline date.

“Regretfully, we are unable to supply ribbons unless payment has been received,” Ms Ward says.

The Family Centre also welcomes additional donations over and above the ribbon orders, provision for which can be found on the order forms.

Furthermore, it is encouraging companies to offer their employees a ‘dress down’ or ‘denim day’ as another way of boosting funds. Willing participants are asked to advise the charity accordingly, so that follow-up can be arranged.

For the public at large, there is good news. On August 1, the ribbons will be sold by volunteers on the streets Island-wide, beginning at 8 a.m. Anyone wishing to help, be it staff members in companies, or otherwise, should contact Ms Ward at the Family Centre.

In addition to the usual East End versus West End rivalry, the development director says Cup Match is about “sharing, caring and reliving traditions”, so in addition to being a fund-raiser, the sale of the ribbons is a “friend raiser”.

“Please join us as we work to strengthen the lives of our children and their families in life-lasting ways, and recognise that children and family, like the traditions of Cup Match, are not only our greatest treasures but also Bermuda’s future.”