A childcare centre targeted by arson attacks yesterday thanked the public for its help to raise funds for a replacement school bus after its transport was destroyed in a fire.

Trina Davis-Williams, the parent teacher association president at Happy Valley Child Care Centre, said: “I would like to thank each and every person who invested in our children by making donations towards the replacement bus.

“On behalf of all of the parents, I would like to thank all of the teachers who have worked hard to come up with solutions and creative ways of learning while we have been without a bus. Your commitment to developing the next generation and investing in their future is of benefit to everyone in Bermuda.”

The Pembroke centre’s bus was burnt out by an arsonist over the National Hero’s Day holiday weekend in June.

The school’s shed was also set alight last October, which destroyed outdoor toys, and the bus was attacked last February.

The arsonist has not been caught and the school has tightened security.

The centre uses the HighScope curriculum, designed to concentrate on play-based education and the bus is used to take the teachers and children to gymnastics, swimming and for field trips.

Andalyn Swan, the programme co-ordinator for the centre, said: “Happy Valley Child Care Centre provides childcare for some of the most vulnerable children in Bermuda and our community field trips are some of the most influential experiences for them.”

Ms Swan added: “The excursions allow the children to have real-world experiences, extend learning outside the classroom and open their minds to a wide range of experiences and opportunities.”

She thanked Jim Butterfield, the chief executive of wholesalers Butterfield & Vallis, who gave “a sizeable donation” and spearheaded the replacement bus project, as well as Bermuda Breeze VIP Transportation, and the Government.

Mr Butterfield said: “I am glad that we could partner with the Happy Valley Child Care Centre’s PTA in their drive to secure a replacement bus.

“Butterfield & Vallis is a close-knit, community-orientated company and we love to be able to support community focused projects such as this one.”

• Anyone with information on the arson attacks should contact police on 295-0011 or the confidential and anonymous Crime Stoppers hotline on 800-8477. For more information on how to help the PTA replace toys destroyed by the fire, e-mail happyvalleypta@gmail.com