efforts of charities, Hamilton Lions were told yesterday.

Cummings Zuill, speaking at their weekly luncheon yesterday, said charity and philanthropy were central aspects of democracy and good for the individual's well being.

"As Winston Churchill said, `We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give','' Mr. Zuill said. "Only those who have nothing in them have nothing to give.'' While acknowledging the efforts of the Lions in raising money for a variety of causes, Mr. Zuill said he was sure Bermuda compares favourably with statistics from the US on charitable contributions.

Using US figures of $150 billion raised for the "non-profit sector'' in 1997, Mr. Zuill said this figure was 1.8 percent of the gross domestic product.

Mr. Zuill said there are four ways to view philanthropy; its immediate contribution to society; the benefit to the individual volunteer; and the change that civic responsibility has made to democratic societies.

He said many of the changes to modern society came about because of small groups of dedicated individuals -- the cornerstone of philanthropic behaviour.

These included women's rights, pollution, voter franchise, anti-drunk driving measures, and elderly rights were all pursued in that way.