Walk Raises $28,736 For Charity
The Argus Walks the Walk with The Centre on Philanthropy Charity 5K that took place on February 26 attracted a record-breaking 1,061 registrations and raised $28,736 in support of 95 local charities and www.volunteer.bm.
For the third consecutive year, the Argus Group partnered with The Centre on Philanthropy for the event, which is a unique fundraiser where participants choose the charity they want to support in the walk.
The ten charities generating the most support at the event were: Warwick Academy Foundation; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Bermuda Alumnae Chapter; P.A.L.S.; WindReach Bermuda; Bermuda Gymnastics Association; Raleigh International Bermuda; Bermuda Volleyball Association; Tomorrow’s Voices – Bermuda Autism Early Intervention Centre; Bermuda Scout Association; and Ocean Support Foundation.
In addition, $5,305 was raised ($5 from each entry fee) in support of www.volunteer.bm run by The Centre on Philanthropy. The site is Bermuda’s online one-stop shop for volunteering that enables members of the community to search for activities which suit their interest and availability. There are over 130 organisations that use the site to recruit and manage volunteers.
A myriad of causes were represented on the day including animal protection, arts and culture, children’s issues, education, environmental issues, healthcare, hunger, historical preservation, substance abuse support, family services, seniors, recreation and sports.
Pamela Barit Nolan, Executive Director of The Centre on Philanthropy, says: “We are thrilled that this community walk has been embraced by nonprofits and their supporters. This year’s event attracted over 50 per cent more walkers – a good indication that this is a welcome addition to the community’s annual calendar.
“The Centre, in an effort to assist our smaller nonprofits, held a special ‘Lunch and Learn’ that provided tips to organisations on how to maximise benefits from Walk the Walk including mobilising staff, board members, volunteers and donors to participate and raise funds and awareness.
“We are grateful to Argus for their sponsorship of this event and to each walker that participated and showed their support both to their chosen organisation and the community as a whole.”
Gerald Simons, President of the Argus Group, says: “We are really pleased that the Argus Walks the Walk with The Centre on Philanthropy Charity 5K is fast becoming one of the most popular fundraising walks in Bermuda.
“The concept of letting individual walkers decide which charity to support is a strong one; it means that some of the lesser known and smaller charities can benefit without having to cover the overheads of organising their own fundraising event. Argus is delighted to have helped to support so many local charities again this year.”
A number of prizes were presented to key supporters of the Argus Walks the Walk with The Centre on Philanthropy following the event. Deloitte received the award for the largest corporate team to take part in the event with 45 walkers; Warwick Academy, celebrating its 350th anniversary this year, scooped up the prize for the largest youth team with its 66 participants; and The Reading Clinic was recognised as the team with the most spirit.
Argus Walks the Walk with The Centre on Philanthropy took place over a fully marshalled route, which started and finished on Wesley Street, home to both the Argus Building and The Centre on Philanthropy. Next year’s event will be held on February 24, 2013.
To see pictures of the walk you can go to The Centre’s Facebook page.
