A charity devoted to women and children has been given a $40,000 boost to help families struggling from the effects of the Covid-19 crisis.

Elaine Butterfield, the executive director of the Women’s Resource Centre, said the cash would be used to pay for $100 grocery vouchers for those in need.

Ms Butterfield admitted the “incredible outpouring” had “far exceeded our expectations and we cannot express how grateful we are”.

The fundraiser came after the charity was deluged with calls from mothers who were unemployed, home schooling and in need of food.

The WRC distributed more than 100 vouchers on Tuesday, with volunteers following social distancing, and delivered vouchers to those stranded at home.

Ms Butterfield told donors and volunteers: “We are all hurting and your support has softened some of the inherent stress of these trying times. “

She said some organisations had given amounts of $10,000, $5,000, $3,000 and individuals had chipped in with donations of as much as $5,000 and $1,000 down to $25.

The WRC said the voucher scheme would continue until the cash was used up.

Unemployed women with children of any age can contact the WRC at 533-3882 from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday to apply for a voucher.

They can leave a message if their call was not answered.

The WRC said vouchers would not be issued over the two-week emergency “shelter in place” period, scheduled to start on Saturday morning.

The charity gave details of other social services agencies:

• The Centre Against Abuse: Phone 292-4366 or 297-8278 hotline for domestic violence and sexual assault queries;

• Age Concern: Phone 705-3145 for seniors’ queries;

• The Coalition for Protection of Children: Phone 295-1150 for mothers and children under 17;

• Family Centre: Phone 232-1116 for family related counselling and support;

• Child and Family Services: Phone 296-7575 or 278-9111 for child protection and family support;

• The Bermuda Housing Corporation: Contact info@bhc.bm for emergency housing needs and;

• For Government Unemployment Benefits, phone 297-7714 or 297-7716.