AXA End-To-End Announces Chosen Charities
The organisers of the 2019 AXA End-to-End event have today announced the charities that will benefit from money raised by the event this year – WindReach, Age Concern, Friends of Hospice and Raleigh Bermuda.
End-to-End Board Chair Anne Mello said: “It is always a near impossible job to decide which charities we support each year as every charity is deserving of help. However, we felt that these four charities help a very broad cross-section of people in Bermuda meaning the money that is raised has a large impact on society.”
She added: “The End-to-End is now in its 32nd year and in that time we have raised more than $5.65m. We cannot thank people enough for their support which has done so much for charities across the Island.”
WindReach Executive Director Chrissie Kempe said she was overjoyed to be a chosen charity, adding: “Funds raised through this wonderful event will be dedicated to creating an accessible, dementia-friendly main entrance, deck and outdoor space for our expanding Adult Day Programme.
Slideshow from last year’s End To End
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“Thank you to the End-to-End for all they do for Bermuda’s community and believing in WindReach to enrich the quality of lives of individuals living with special needs.”
Robin Sidders, Interim Executive Director, Friends of Hospice said: “We are absolutely delighted to be a recipient this year and we are truly grateful to the End-to-End organizers for their support. Friends of Hospice is the charity that supports Agape House, Bermuda’s only hospice and as a non-revenue generating organization, we rely solely on donations and support from our community.
“This gift will support our many bereavement support services, including raising awareness about the importance of having difficult conversations about death and dying, and provide vital support to our day-to-day activities so we can fulfill our mission of enhancing the quality of life for patients and their loved ones.”
Raleigh Bermuda’s mission is to use overseas expeditions, local training and continued coaching to challenge young Bermudians to harness their full potential and develop skills for life and Executive Director Tina Nash said: “It’s an ambitious mission and we can’t do it all alone. That’s why are so very proud to partner with the generous people at Bermuda End-to-End Charitable Trust for the 2019 AXA End-to-End.
“All of the donated funds will go towards developing the resources needed to support our young Bermudians on their personal quest for self-development, adventure and service work. As a registered charity, we sincerely appreciate the incredible support that we receive from our community partners to help us support and encourage our young Bermudians – they are certainly worth it.”
Dr Claudette Fleming, Age Concern’s Executive Director, said the End-to-End had grown to be a signature community event of the year, raising awareness for critical social issues while having the added benefit of raising much needed funds for Bermuda charities.
“Age Concern is pleased to be a recipient of proceeds. As many may already be aware, for the last two years Age Concern has been exploring how to bring a high quality long-term care model that can be financially sustained in Bermuda.
“At present, the Ministry of Health indicates that there are just over 600 long-term care beds on the Island, however the population of older adults aged 65 years and older has increased from 8,643 to 10,842 older persons since the last census. This means that the current residential care system has the capacity to help less than seven percent of the Island’s entire seniors population.
“The funds raised by the AXA End-to-End will support Age Concern’s operations as it facilitates the action steps necessary to pilot a new care model in the next 18 to 24 months. The 2019, AXA End-to-End will do even more than that however, as ambassadors of healthy ageing, Age Concern is looking forward to the opportunity to engage our members and volunteers in event activities.
“We are very grateful for being among the many good causes and organizations who will benefit in 2019 and are looking forward to working with the End-to-End team to support the vital work that is being done in our community.”
This year’s End-to-End takes place on May 4 and to register or donate go here.
