Put Your Best Foot Forward, Make A Difference

[Column written by End-to-End Board Chair Anne Mello]

There is nothing that matches it. What else involves walking, cycling, paddle boarding, swimming or rowing?

Of course you know, or could hazard a good guess, because the AXA End-to-End is now one of the most established events on the Bermuda calendar with more than 47,000 people having taken part, raising millions of dollars for charities. An astonishing feat [if you will excuse the pun].

The great thing about this event is that it embraces so many positive aspects. It embraces health – getting out there to walk or cycle. It allows us to celebrate and appreciate Bermuda’s beauty by walking the Railway Trail and swimming in the beautiful, turquoise ocean.

It also allows us to celebrate our people by having them come together, making friends along the way and enjoying the camaraderie as everyone takes on the challenge. Lastly, it allows us to support our local charities, with every dollar raised going towards worthwhile causes. What event gets better than that?

The AXA End-to-End started as a wager between three friends and attracted 186 walkers back in 1988 and over the last three decades it has distributed more than $5.65 million in 206 grants to Bermuda charities.

We’ve supported playgrounds, vans, conferences, food for the housebound, medical assistance for the needy, asthma education for the community, youth engagement activities, senior financial support, assistance for families in crises and individuals with special needs.

I cannot thank enough those that make this event possible, the sponsors and the volunteers. Our volunteers act as road marshals, start and finish officials, registration assistants, first aid supporters, road sweepers, and water stop crews. Every year more than 400 committed, wonderful people are out and about from St. George to Dockyard, from 5.30am until 5pm, helping to safely guide our participants from one end of the Island to the other.

I also cannot thank enough those who take part, the people who put one foot after another to help good causes, who help make Bermuda a better place.

So, I ask: are you taking part this year? We cannot do what we do without you. There are so many ways to be part of this event that it doesn’t make sense not to! Are you a paddle boarder? Swimmer? Rower? Enjoy walking? Cycling for fun or as a family? The event is for everyone and all abilities.

It is a chance to be part of the community and to help that community.

The AXA End-to-End gives you the opportunity to be part of Bermuda’s Best Outdoor Adventure. You benefit from a day of fitness and fun and our community benefits from your fundraising efforts. Everyone is a winner.

This year’s End-to-End takes place on May 4. You can register or donate here: https://register.bermudaendtoend.bm

- Anne Mello

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