Women’s Club Awards Grants To Two Charities
The International Women’s Club Bermuda announced its 2026 grant awards, with $7,500 being awarded to Open Airways and $7,500 to SkillCraft.
A spokesperson said, “The International Women’s Club – Bermuda [IWC] announced its 2026 grant awards at a President’s Coffee at the Coral Beach Club in Paget Parish on Wednesday 10th June 2026.
“A $7,500 grant is being awarded to Open Airways for general operating support. Founded in 1997, Open Airways is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of over 8,000 people in Bermuda whose lives are affected by asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD]. It is estimated that one in 6 children, and one in 10 adults have asthma. According to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital statistics, asthma is one of the top reasons why people visit the emergency department in Bermuda, with an average of more than four patients per day for asthma.
“Open Airways provides comprehensive education about respiratory illnesses to healthcare professionals, to patients and families, in schools, and to the broader community, especially through annual events associated with World Asthma Day in May. The organisation provides free spirometry testing, home visits for personalised consultations, supports low- or no-cost medications through their Medication Assistance Program, and offers free equipment and replacement pillows since breathing problems can be exacerbated by the sleeping environment. Open Airways reports that since the inception of their asthma program, hospital admissions have decreased by 83%.”
Upon learning of the grant award, Mary Ewles, Executive Director of the organisation, said “On behalf of the clients and community we serve, we extend our sincere gratitude to IWC for their generous donation in support of all our programs. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering essential services and support that have a meaningful impact on the lives of those we assist. Thank you from Open Airways for joining with us in Helping Bermuda Breathe.”
The organization said. “A second grant of $7,500 will go to SkillCraft. It aims to provide access to career readiness experiences for teens and young adults in Bermuda who, for various reasons, may face educational and socio-economic challenges; have limited work experience or professional networks; and are looking to explore careers in a hands-on way.
“SkillCraft launched its first internship program in 2022, focusing on marketing and social media within professional organisations — a program that has enabled 50% of its participants to access further employment opportunities. Building on this success, from January to April 2026, SkillCraft ran a pilot Trades Internship program in which seven young people between the ages of 18 and 24 earned a NCCER Introduction to Basic Construction Skills Certificate while developing their workplace behaviors through placements with local host organisations.
“SkillCraft is now seeking a new training partner to deliver its second Trades Program, following a similar ‘earn and learn’ model. Five interns will be selected for this 13-week program, spending two days per week completing training modules — including Basic Safety, Power Tools, and Construction Math — while dedicating the remaining three days to working within a host construction business. There, they gain hands-on, on-site experience and strengthen essential workplace habits such as clear oral communication, reliability, teamwork, and initiative. This grant will specifically fund the launch of the second Trades Program in January 2027.”
Executive Director Margot Shane said, “As we enter the age of AI, it is crucial that we create access and opportunity for young people within the skilled trades. SkillCraft Bermuda is honoured to be part of the pipeline that helps young people find careers that are sustainable and meaningful.”
“IWC is proud to support organisations like Open Airways and SkillCraft that are doing vital work in the Bermuda community,” the organization said. ”IWC hosts an annual grant awards program for eligible charitable organisations in Bermuda. Grant proposals are accepted in January of each year. Grant announcements and awards are made in the spring of the same year.”
Founded in 1981, International Women’s Club is a charitable organisation and social club for women in Bermuda, offering activities, support, and community engagement.
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