A charity safeguarding children from sexual abuse has received a windfall of $140,000 to help its training and awareness programmes.

About 70 rowers took part in Saving Children and Revealing Secrets’ 10th Annual Kayak for Kids on Saturday and Sunday.

Debi Ray-Rivers, the founder of Scars, said that poor weather over the weekend hindered the event but kayakers were still able to complete parts of the course.

On Saturday, the boats travelled from Spanish Point Boat Club in Pembroke to Devonshire Bay. On Sunday, participants rowed the inner sound loop of the route from Spanish Point Boat Club to Admiralty House.

Ms Rivers reminded participants about to contend with difficult rowing conditions of the cause they were helping.

She said: “I told them that kayaking in the ocean can be extremely challenging but reminded them about the challenges of those who battle their journey of healing from sexual abuse — they push through and know they must not stop.

“They may feel like giving up — but they don’t give up; they battle on and never give up. I told them to remember who they were fighting for.

“We are so grateful for the funds raised which will helps us to continue all our training and awareness initiatives. Every dollar helps us to continue.

“Sexual abuse has not gone away and prevention costs money. We have to operate and it is hard for non-profits at the moment.”

After the event, Scars hosted a barbecue at Spanish Point Boat Club to celebrate the participants and present awards to those who have supported the charity over the years.

Ms Ray-Rivers said: “Kayak For Kids is our only Scars-organised fundraiser of the year so we are grateful to all our participants as well as our sponsors, including the title sponsors, Gallagher Re and Fidelis Insurance Group. There were also corporate teams in the event and the Bermuda Pilot Gig Club had rowers take part.

“We had 18 sponsors all together and on top of that we received donations from the friends and family members of the participants.

“We also want to thank the boat support. Safety is our top priority during this event and everyone came in safe.

“The lead boat support was Chris Montgomery. We had Stefan Dill from BDA Watersports loan us a jet ski and a driver and every year the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coastguard is out there keeping them safe. We also had other private boats helping.”

The funds raised will help Scars to continue its initiatives aimed at preventing child sexual abuse. The charity provides virtual community and private sessions.