IN 1962, a small group of women took on what many might consider an unenviable task - the plight of the island's disadvantaged children - and formed the Continental Society of Bermuda.

Their focus has never wavered. Their acts often go unnoticed, but over the past 40 years, the group's tireless efforts have raised community awareness, provided financial assistance, and improved the quality of life of many of the island's residents.

AS a charitable organisation, the Continental Society of Bermuda doesn't often receive public acclaim. Its deeds - though worthy of mention - generally go unnoticed by all except those who benefit from them. And, for the most part, the group prefers it that way.

"For almost 40 years we have successsfully provided multicultural projects and educational opportunities and have sponsored a climate of security and well being via numerous donations and activities for disadvantaged and underpriviledged children and youth in our community," said Society president Kennette Robinson.

"We assist with food hampers and eyeglasses, even overseas medical treatment when needed - and these are some of the things we do on a monthly basis. We've helped a large segment of the population over the 40 years of our existence but, unlike many (charities) a lot of our work is done anonymously because we like to protect the confidentiality of the families involved."

The Bermuda Continental Society was formed as an affiliate of Continental Societies Inc., an American organisation with chapters throughout the United States. An international public service organisation, Continental Societies Inc. was founded in 1956. Today, it embraces 41 chapters in 17 states in the continental USA and Bermuda and, as when it was formed, is "dedicated to the socio-economic and cultural welfare of underprivileged children."

Explained Mrs. Robinson: "Our members are concerned and dedicated women whose professional activities include politics, business, education and social welfare. Their sensitivity enables them to encompass the needs of disadvantaged children in all situations, whether they be neglected, mentally ill, physically handicapped, lonely, or in need of financial assistance.

"(Our members) have a flair for fun and are excited to participate in arts and humanities activities with children who might not otherwise be exposed to such events.

"Yet, most importantly, these women are hard-working and committed to fulfilling the organisation's goal - to provide a safe environment where children and families are encouraged to explore life's options and make positive choices that strengthen self and community.

"As we reflect on our service, we realise that it is only as a result of community support that we are able to continue to serve today's children (who will become) tomorrow's leaders."

The local chapter began with seven members, who for an entire year, contributed their dues to charity. Several successful fund-raising events followed, with the organisation officially installed as a chapter of the Continental Societies on May 19, 1962.

As the club grew, it was decided its efforts should be increased accordingly. Its members, then, were Patricia Quinn, Moira Cann, Leola Edness, Marilyn Smith, Wynette Tucker, Audrey Abbott, Eileen Simmons, Joan Burrows, Rosemary Cann, Edith Miasner, Pat Ratteray, Nelda Reid, Sheila Scinski and Ruth Thomas. Of that group, Pat Quinn, Eileen Simmons and Marilyn Smith remain members today.

"As its goals expanded to serving a wider group in the community, so did their need for more fund-raising activities," said Mrs. Robinson. "In the beginning years, many of these efforts continued to take the form of social dances and bake sales, and the club has the distinction of organising the island's first charity walk."

A little-known fact, she pointed out, is the group's partnering over the last 22 years with the Bermuda Musical & Dramatic Society in hosting elementary school students and the BMDS' annual pantomime.

"Our members range in age from 85 to 22 and, as a testimony to the cohesiveness of the group and the rewards of participation, there are many members of the Bermuda Continentals who are celebrating more than 30 years of membership.

"One of the most important things is that we have generations of families who have been involved in the Continental Society. I think I'm the third generation in (mine). In recent years, many younger members have joined the organisation and the hope is that they can bring with them new ideas, while still maintaining some of the traditions that have become well-known and enjoyed in the local community."

Numerous firsts followed as the group's many successes led to their events being emulated by other charities.

Major projects and beneficiaries through the years have included:

An annual donation to the Bermuda College Scholarships.

Orange Valley School.

Victor Scott Primary School.

Paget Primary School.

Spice Valley School.

West Pembroke Primary School.

Francis Patton School.

Dellwood School Library.

Opportunity Workshop (now defunct).

Southampton Pre-school.

The now defunct Friendship Vale, Devon Lane and Cedar Grove schools.

Teen Haven.

The Sunshine League.

The Lady Cubitt Compassionate Association (LCCA).

Asthma Education.

Nutrition Education.

Annual Shrove Tuesday breakfast at an adopted school.

Spelling Bee.

Monthly and Christmas food hampers.

Provision of school clothing.

Sponsoring attendance at summer camps and other cultural activities.

Children's Ward at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

St. Brendan's Hospital.

Foster Parents Association.

Purchase of a playground.

The Brangman Home.

The Physical Abuse Centre.

"Service to the community at that time was very hands-on, as it remains today," explained the president. "It was soon realised that with so many other charitable organisations in Bermuda, new approaches had to be found for raising funds.

"(Continental member) Olga Scott suggested a Mother's Day Luncheon to honour the Mother of the Year (who would be selected through a student essay competition) and so was born the idea which has become a popular annual tradition.

"When asked what the biggest change was that she had noticed over the last 40 years, charter member Marilyn Smith explained that while (we as a club have) kept a hands-on focus to (our) projects, (we) are now able to do things on a much larger scale and therefore contribute much more to the community."

One of the charity's great involvements is HEER (Operation Awareness: Health, Education, Employment and Recreaction), a five-point programme through which it participates in specified areas, and is judged based on its performance as compared with other chapters.

"Each component of our programmatic thrust was chosen because of its significance in the lives of all young people and the necessity to provide activities and projects in these areas to enhance the lives of children and youth with special needs," Mrs. Robinson explained.

"Each chapter surveys, investigates and reports the needs and problems of children and youth in their community and subsequently initiates and implements programmes, projects and activities in the areas designed to meet the needs of their communities. "

Projects range from health fairs and drug abuse programmes to scholarship awards and cultural programmes, but this year, the Society's major projects were its literacy programme and the promotion of nutrition and asthma awareness to students which formed part of their participation in HEER.

"This year, at (the presentation of awards), we won second prize for the educational component (of HEER) out of all of the chapters of Continental Societies Inc. and we won special mention for our asthma (awareness programme through which information) was printed on MarketPlace grocery bags."

In honour of its 40th anniversary, the Continental Society of Bermuda will hold a number of celebrations throughout its calendar year - which runs with the school year, from September through June.

"It is the members, not the president of any organisation, who determine its success," Mrs. Robinson added. "Kudos to all of the past presidents for their vision, planning and contributions that enabled the Continental Society to grow. Hats off to all of our members whose commitment over the years has endured, and (to) those (whose efforts) have just begun."