An insurance and wealth management firm has handed over $20,000 to two charities to help them cope with demand sparked by the coronavirus crisis.

Sun Life International donated $10,000 apiece to the Eliza DoLittle Society for its food bank work and the Women’s Resource Centre to help fund its mental health counselling services.

Paul Courtney, the firm’s chief commercial officer, said: “In Bermuda, charities see a steady increase in the number of people who need their support.

“Covid-related stress triggered increased demand for counselling support and food pantry services.

“In this situation, we feel the need to further support the local charities who help Bermudians in these challenging times.“

Mr Courtney added Sun Life had a long history of support for philanthropic causes on the island.

The company has donated more than $50,000 to charities since the pandemic hit last March.