When the Packwood Home for the elderly opens in the Spring of next year there will be many individuals and companies to thank.

Some $600,000 was collected before the trustees of the home on Main Road, Somerset, even launched their public fund-raising campaign.

And last week the Bank of Bermuda kicked off the campaign by donating $100,000 from its Centennial Trust fund.

In presenting the donation to chairperson of the Packwood Home Board of Trustees Lady Swan, chairman of the bank's board of directors and the Centennial Trust Advisory Committee, Mr. Eldon Trimingham said: "The bank's Centennial Trust is administered to help recognise and support Bermuda's culture, tradition, and heritage.

"Our senior citizens are the embodiment of these important objectives.

Elderly people 65 years and older constitute an increasing portion of our population.

"Between 1970 and 1990 Bermudians 65 and older increased 70 percent. It is estimated that 12 percent of the population will be 65 or older by the year 2,000.

"Accordingly it is imperative that we expand facilities proportionately to ensure their health, care and well being.'' When the ambitious project -- which is two weeks ahead of schedule -- is completed, Packwood will be able to accommodate 28 people in 14 bedrooms.

Prior to the renovations, it housed 14 senior citizens in "very cramped conditions'', Lady Swan said.

The new facility will have very spacious two-bed rooms with their own bathrooms. There will also be a new kitchen, dining room and living room.

The bank is expected to turn over another generous gift of the same amount next year.

The money will be used to help the home pay back a $1.2 million loan required for the major renovation of the home which has been providing shelter for the elderly since 1938 when Dr. Richard Arnold Packwood and his wife, Mary, bequeathed their home "Andover Arbour''.

And while the bank's donation will be a hard one to match, Lady Swan said she was confident that the public would be generous with donations.

"I'm very confident because it is a project dealing with people, especially older persons,'' she said. "These people have made a valuable contribution to the community.

"And there are organisations out there who have been very interested in Packwood Home. The bank's gift will help us tremendously. It shows they have confidence in the project. But we are also getting little donations. And those are just as important. After all, this is not just a Somerset home, it is a home for all of Bermuda.'' One smaller group that has been very supportive of the home is the Kardias Club, said Lady Swan who is a member.

"It has given in excess of $35,000 over the years,'' she said.

"We appear to be their favourite charity. We appreciate that and hope that they will continue to support the home.'' Kardias Club president Mrs. Valerie Nearon vowed to continue supporting the home.

"We feel that it is a place in need of help,'' she said. "It is one of our favourites because senior citizens are so important.'' Mrs. Nearon this week, on behalf of the club, presented Lady Swan with a cheque for $10,000.

The money was raised from a dance, a cruise, and a bake sale organised by the club earlier this year.

And through its unique fashion extravaganza next month, the club hopes to donate more money later this year.

The event titled "Out of Africa'' will be held at City Hall on November 7 and 8, beginning at 7.30 p.m.

Under the distinguished patronage of Governor Lord Waddington and Lady Waddington, the show will be presented by a Bermudian, Ms Sandra Jennings Hutchful who is presently living in Southfield, Michigan, and Sierra, a shop owned and operated by Leon and Jametta Lily of Detroit, Michigan.

The designs featured will be of African origin fused with Caribbean and North American styles.

"The presentation will enhance Bermuda's exposure to the African culture as recently seen in the work being done by and for the Bermuda National Gallery,'' Mrs. Nearon said.

Patrons names will appear in the event's programme and they will be invited to a Black Tie champagne reception prior to the show on November 7, at 6 p.m.

Patron tickets are available at $50 per person. Regular admission is $25.

For further information contact Mrs. Betty Peterson at 236-0275 or Mrs. Judith Swan at 293-2113.

HELPING THE ELDERLY -- President of the Kardias Club Mrs. Valerie Nearon (left) hands over a cheque for $10,000 to chairperson of the Packwood Home, Lady Swan.