FRIENDS OF THE BERMUDA NATIONAL LIBRARY: Among various problems confronting the Library in 1997 was the need to add new books to the shelves. Regular library members had come to know most titles well, and the time was right to expand the reference material. In particular, works for the blind and sight impaired needed serious attention. So, Friends of the Library spent approximately $25,000 of their $40,000 donation purchasing 111 "talking books'' (books on cassette tapes for adults); 288 large print books for sight-impaired adults; 48 adult reference books, and 138 children's reference books.

With the balance of approximately $15,000, Friends of the Library will pursue the installation of a reading machine. Due to rapidly changing technology, they are taking extra care to ensure that the final purchase will benefit the greatest number of users, both sighted and blind, in the broadest possible way.

CRIME STOPPERS: After setting aside a portion of its 1997 donation for the implementation of a Scholastic Crime Stoppers programme, to be launched later this year, the balance has been used to heighten public awareness of how the organisation can help to reduce crime, and also advertise its special telephone number.

Crime Stoppers' mission is to assist the Bermuda Police Service in deterring and eradicating crime, and bringing perpetrators to justice by providing a confidential telephone number: 1-800-623-8477, which the public can use to pass on valuable information. The organisation also advertises extensively, and offers a reward for any meaningful information provided. According to chairman Mr. McNeil Warner: "Our work is ongoing and expensive, and we are very grateful for the funds from End-to-End, which have enabled Crime Stoppers to be promoted in a manner otherwise unattainable.'' SENIOR ISLANDERS' CLUB: End-to-End's $40,000 donation gave the ultimate boost to an active fund-raising campaign by members and friends of SIC to purchase a new bus for the organisation, which was duly christened on April 16 in a ceremony attended by the Premier and other dignitaries. Members of the SIC turned out in force to assist last year's walk wherever needed, including manning a water stop, and participating in the walk itself.

"So, when you see a nice, shiny bus with lots of smiling faces and the name End-to-End on its side, take a moment for justified pride, and also reflect on the fact that if we all do a little we all do a lot,'' says delighted SIC coordinator, the Rev. Fred Hassell.

BERMUDA AMATEUR SWIMMING ASSOCIATION: Used its $40,000 donation to undertake badly needed renovations to its nearly 20-year-old facility. These included a new filtration system, new pumps, improvement to pool deck and food hut, rewiring of electrical system, and installation of hot water in the showers (adult swimmers' requirement). All work was completed within budget, and the pool is now in better shape than ever before.

BASA provides young people from all walks of life with the opportunity to participate in a structured competition swimming programme, which allows them to progress as far as their enthusiasm and ability will take them -- from local competition to the Olympic Games. BASA also teaches young swimmers the value of goal setting, time management, and the hard work necessary for success.