Local youth charities receive $6000 boost

TUESDAY, FEB. 5: The island’s youth charities have received a boost thanks to local charity BermudaXmasTrees.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Bermuda and the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association have received $3000 each as a result of this year’s drive.

The charity sells Christmas trees to raise funds for Bermuda charities that are involved in developing and supporting the island’s youth.

Four years ago Peter Schindel, owner of Bermuda Bricklayers Limited, felt there was a need to support the island’s youth and as part of his company’s ongoing commitment to the Bermuda community, he agreed to sponsor and establish BermudaXmasTrees.

Mr Schindel said the charity supports local causes by asking the young people from the charities get involved in the Christmas tree sales. “This teaches the children valuable social skills, the need to think on their feet and increases their self-confidence, skills they can use as they grow into contributing members of Bermuda society and for their future career choices”, he said.

With the conclusion of the fourth charitable year, a total of $27,000 has been contributed back to various Bermuda charities.

Mr Schindel presented the cheques to George Jones of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Bermuda and Patrick Foster of Bermuda Squash Racquets Associations Junior Program.