Seven Charities Chosen for 2012 End-to-End

The Catlin Bermuda End-to-End has chosen seven charities to be supported by the funds from the May 5, 2012 Catlin End-to-End event.

The annual event, now in its 25thyear, raises pledge dollars from more than 2,500 dedicated and generous participants who navigate the roads, waterways and trails of the island during the first Saturday in May.

“Every year, we receive applications from many deserving local charities, who are working to make Bermuda a better place,” said Anne Mello, chair of the End-to-End Charitable Trust, which organizes the event.

“This year, more than 50 organizations applied for our funds – a record, and a reflection of the economic challenges the island is facing,” she said.

“Narrowing down this to a few recipients was a stiff task involving some very difficult choices. The selection was based on which programmes addressed the most immediate needs of the community and offered assistance to the largest number of people,” she added.

“We also wanted to contribute enough to each charity to make it possible to have them effectively do their work –which meant narrowing the number of charities we support.”

The seven charities selected operate programmes for at-risk children and families, for seniors facing financial hardship and community health services. A complete list of the charities and programmes is attached.

The Catlin End-to-End’s mission is to be Bermuda’s premier annual charitable pledge event, committed to promoting the happiness and well-being of our island community through all inclusive activities.

The selected charities are:

Age Concern
Educates, informs and advocates on behalf of Seniors in partnership with community organisations. Supporting the grocery and handyman hardship programmes for seniors experiencing financial difficulties.

The Adult Education Centre
Provides support for adults over 16 to achieve their educational and career goals. The only educational option for those unable to attend public or private schools. Funding the education of high risk youth unable to attend the Adult Education School due to the lack of financial means.

Big Brothers Big Sisters
Operates a mentoring programme dedicated to helping children and youth, primarily from single parent homes, realize their potential by facilitating the development of long-term one-to-one relationships. Supporting general operating expenses.

Open Airways
Dedicated to improving, through education and support, the lives and well-being of over 9,000 people in Bermuda, whose lives are affected by asthma and other long-term breathing difficulties. Funding existing programmes.

The Family Centre
Creates a healthier community by strengthening families. Supporting the “youth development zone” – a new programme from the United States to promote the healthy development of 60 atrisk children and their families in northern Hamilton.

St. John Ambulance
Since 1894 has supplied certified first aid care and emergency transport service to the Bermuda community. Each year they provide than 7,000 volunteer man hours at more than 253 events each year – including the Catlin End-to-End. Funding volunteer training, and medical first responder programme support.

YouthNet
Empowering students to make positive life choices through school based mentoring. To date, programmes are serving more than 850 students in 22 schools, to enhance the learning experience, nurture character and leadership development and promote college and career awareness. Funding programme expansion.