Charity Pledge Walk.

Hundreds of people will put their best feet forward on Saturday, May 6 to raise vital cash for a number of charities on the Island.

For the energetic, there will be the 26-mile walk from St. George's to Dockyard, while the less enthusiastic can take part in the Middle to End hike, starting from Hamilton.

The goal of the event is to raise thousands of dollars for good causes on the Island, including the Physical Abuse Centre, The Teen Haven, The Bermuda TB, Cancer and Health Association, The Hands of Love Ministry and St. George's Parish Home.

It is hoped that, on average, each walker will be able to raise $250.

Organisers advise those taking part to set a personal fund-raising goal, sign up sponsors and then collect the money in advance to enable the charities to receive the much-needed donations as soon as possible.

Karen Madeiros, events and promotions officer for the main sponsor the Bank of Bermuda and a committee member, said everybody on the Island should consider taking part.

"It's one of those rare events where people from all walks of life can come together and raise money for the benefit of everybody on the Island,'' she said.

"If you read the list charities, you will find that everybody in the community is touched by one of them in some way. We make sure that the entire community benefits from the proceeds of the walk.

"But beside that, it is fun, even though it is a psychological and physical challenge.'' Registration will take place on May 3 in the Chamber of Commerce boardroom, above the Visitors' Service Bureau, between 5.30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Alternatively, people can take along their sponsor sheet and money to Town Square, St. George's by 7.30 a.m. on the morning of the walk. For those doing the Middle to End walk, they should take their sheets to Albouy's Point by 10.30 a.m..

To help get fit and ready for the event, there are practice walks taking place on April 8 and 30. The first one leaves Dockyard at 7.30 a.m. for Hamilton.

The second practice, on the last Sunday of April, is a circular route from Albouy's Point through Pembroke and Devonshire. That one leaves at 10 a.m..

Sponsors of the event are the Bank of Bermuda and BTC Mobility, who will provide special awards for all walkers who manage to meet their fund-raising goal either before or on the morning of the walk. The more money people raise, the higher the reward will be.

And again, the Bank of Bermuda will also sponsor the Youth Invasion event. It will be matching young walkers' pledges to an agreeable total of $5,000. So if you are under 18, register for the Bank of Bermuda Youth Invasion and double the financial impact you will have.

And organisers have pointed out that, no matter what the weather, come rain or shine, the walk will go ahead.

During the past 12 years, the End to End walk has raised more than $1.36m, enabling at least 40 Bermuda charities to serve the community. Sponsor forms and information can be obtained from any branch of the Bank of Bermuda, Sportseller, Sports `R' Us and Sports Locker.

Best foot forward: Youngsters enjoyed a sunny day out at last year's End to End walk.