Meals on Wheels received a generous donation of $200,000 yesterday to aid it in building a new purpose-built kitchen in Paget.

The money, which was given by the Bank of Bermuda's Centennial Trust Fund is a huge part of the funds needed to build the facility, which will give the organisation the capacity to deliver 250 meals, five days a week.

Executive vice president of administration and member of the trust's advisory committee Mr. Louis Mowbray made the presentation to Meals on Wheels building committee treasurer Mrs. Kay Robinson and chairperson of the committee Mrs.

Dorothy Evans.

The bank will contribute $50,000 a year for four years towards the construction of the facility.

"Meals on Wheels has been providing an excellent service to the elderly of Bermuda for almost 20 years,'' Mr. Mowbray said.

He added: "We hope that this donation will help them to expand to meet the growing demand for their services. Organisations like Meals on Wheels have been an integral part of Bermudians' lives.'' After being established in 1975 Meals on Wheels provided 15 meals, which were obtained from the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, to Bermudians who for reasons of age, disability or health could not prepare them for themselves.

The organisation currently prepares 120 meals.

The Centennial Trust was established by the Bank of Bermuda in 1989 to provide major contributions to local organisations for capital projects which benefit the citizens of Bermuda.

Since inception the trust has contributed more than $2.2 million to local charities and service organisations.