Shoppers are invited to take part in an innovative fund-raising drive operated by three local charities during the Christmas season.

Patterned after similar schemes in the US, the Helping Hands Point of Purchase Charity Cards will be available until December 29 at many local stores.

Participating in the scheme are the Family Learning Centre, Neverland Foundation, and Art Start Charity.

On Friday, local personality Johnny Barnes will be wearing two large "helping hands'' to remind drivers to participate in the campaign.

Of business-card size, the cards can be bought for one dollar which will be added to the customer's bill. Unused cards and the money will be collected in early January.

Participating stores include Miles Market, Toys N Stuff, Lindo's Stores, Warwick Gas, and Robinson's Marina.

A spokesperson for the charities said of the fund-raiser: "We have worked together to design a simple fund-raising project that expands on the idea of Tag Days.

"This idea is not a new one,'' the spokesperson continued. "It has been done in several cities across the US very successfully. All three charities are working toward bettering the lives of children in Bermuda.'' The Family Learning Centre provides prevention, education and counselling services to children and their families.

The Neverland Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of children affected by, infected or orphaned by HIV/AIDS.

And the Art Start Charity provides free and low-cost music and arts education for children.