Butterfield’s help paying dividends in schools

Three local companies have helped 23 schools with supplies.

The Bank of NT Butterfield & Son Limited (“Butterfield”) and its employees have committed to supporting local students and schools with a school supply drive. 

AF Smith and The Phoenix Stores also supported the drive, providing the school supplies at cost. 

Normally the drive donation takes place in September. However, this year, the Bank intentionally decided to distribute the essential student and teaching supplies in February, as supplies diminish.  

Supplies

 A total of 18 primary schools and five middle schools will receive school supplies that include photocopying paper, cleansing wipes, hand sanitizer, whiteboard markers and pencils.  

Approximately 200 backpacks and lunchboxes were also donated, allowing the school guidance counsellors to provide supplies to students in need throughout the year.

In total, $11,000 was raised to purchase supplies: $9,000 donated by Butterfield and $2,000 raised during a Butterfield employee denim day. In addition, many Bank employees pitched in to help collate and package the school supplies for delivery.

Sean Lee, Butterfield’s executive vice president, Head of Retail Banking, said in a release: “We take seriously our commitment to supporting the community, particularly our young people.  A very special thanks to the Butterfield employees who donated funds and helped to coordinate the school drive initiative.”  

Tim Smith, president and CEO of AF Smith, said: “It is vital that students have the tools they need to enhance their learning, and we are happy to support Butterfield’s school programme.”

 George Grundmuller, president and CEO of the Phoenix Stores, said: “This is a great initiative on behalf of Bermuda’s young people and we are proud to be part of it. We consider any investment in our children as an investment in our future and well worth our efforts.” n