Insurance industry veteran Brian Duperreault has been made the honorary director of the charity that provides transport for the elderly and disabled.

Mr Duperreault, the chief executive officer of global insurance firm AIG, was given the accolade by Project Action, which carries out more than 1.500 trips a year.

The service, founded in 1999, costs about $100,000 a year to run and needs funds to hire a full-time driver.

Cindy Swan, cofounder and chairwoman of Project Action, said: “We are excited to have Brian join our efforts to provide free transportation for seniors and the physically challenged.

“While it’s a 20-year milestone year for us at Project Action, sadly, our services are needed as much or more today than in 1999.”

Ms Swan said that the island’s high rate of diabetes had fuelled a growing need for early morning rides for dialysis treatment.

Project Action has also launched a public appeal for donations.

• To contribute, e-mail bermuda projectaction@gmail.com or call 535-9801. Donations can be made at Butterfield Bank Account Project Action #20006060282255100