Eleven charities have received some $700,00 from the Bank of Bermuda Foundation in the second half of 2002, with many of the organisations receiving funds in excess of $25,000.

The Bank of Bermuda Foundation helps local charities with donations of all different sizes.

Bank of Bermuda Foundation spokesman David Lang said: “The ultimate beneficiary is the community, whether it is in sports, the arts, or specifically for people in need of support and care.

“These charities are working extremely hard within the community to raise large sums of money and we are only too pleased to be able to support them in their endeavours.

“It is, however, important to recognise the larger projects we are making donations to. On behalf of the Foundation, I wish to both thank and congratulate these charities who work on behalf of us all.

“I would like to make mention of the wonderful fundraising of the Bank of Bermuda employees and retired employees, who raised in excess of $36,000 for charities in this period.

“Bank employees are able to apply to the Foundation for matching donations, which meant that over $72,000 was donated to various local charities our employees had chosen,” said Mr. Lang.

The recipients were the Anglican Parish of Pembroke, Bermuda 2003 Environmental Conference, Bermuda Biological Station for Research, the Bermuda Football Association, the Bermuda Institute of Seventh Day Adventists, the Bermuda Lawn and Tennis Association, Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, The Family Learning Centre, Teen Haven, Warwick Academy and The Windreach Bermuda Trust.

Since 1989 the Bank of Bermuda Foundation has donated over $13.7 million to charitable Bermudian organisations.

Applications can be made throughout the year can be made by picking up a brochure from all Bank of Bermuda branches of or by visiting the website at www.bankofbermuda.com/community/foundation.htm