News Release: Hamilton, Bermuda, May 13, 2020 – Serving the Servers, an initiative intended to support Bermuda’s restaurant workers, was today launched in partnership with The Bermuda Chamber of Commerce.

Individuals and companies are invited to contribute funds towards the purchase of grocery gift cards, which will be distributed to restaurant workers whose livelihoods have been affected by the Covid–19 pandemic.

The initiative was started by Thomas Olunloyo, CEO of Legal & General Reinsurance, who said: “Bermuda has been served for years by staff who go above and beyond to provide the best service to all of us. Like many industries affected by Covid–19, thousands of restaurant workers are unable to make a living at this time. It’s our turn to serve them.”

“With ongoing restrictions, many restaurant employees remain out of work and unable to meet their basic needs or feed their families. In recognition of how deeply the pandemic has affected this sector, many people want to help; Serving the Servers provides a way to do so with the support of the Chamber of Commerce.
We’re asking people to consider what they would otherwise be spending on dining out and donating this to help these valuable members of our community. Repeat donations over phases one through three of Bermuda’s gradual reopening will make the biggest impact.”
Kendaree Burgess, CEO of The Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Chamber of Commerce is painfully aware of the plight of restaurants and their employees. Meaningful work will not return to this sector until Phase 4, which means they will be one of the few sectors without employment for the longest period of time. We are pleased to support this worthwhile cause and
encourage all persons to make a donation or two if you can. Thank you!”
Contributions can be made through The Bermuda Chamber of Commerce website at www.bermudachamber.bm/events/details/serving–the–servers–1602 or by emailing info@bcc.bm to obtain bank account information for online transfers.
Restaurant owners are requested to register for the programme by emailing servingtheserversbda@gmail.com with the number of full-time employees on staff prior to the shelter in place order. They should include their company name, and the phone number and email address of one contact person who will be advised of voucher distribution details.
Serving the Servers can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/servingtheserversbda and on
Instagram @servingtheserversbda or by email at servingtheserversbda@gmail.com.