The Bank of Bermuda Foundation has given a helping hand to eight Bermuda charities.

The bank donated a total of $800,000 to the worthy causes.

The grants for the first quarter of 2004 were given to the charities to support ?their significant community initiatives?.

?Bank of Bermuda Foundation is pleased to partner with these Bermuda charities and support them in their endeavours to improve the quality of life for everyone in Bermuda,? said David Lang, Foundation director and secretary.

?The future success of our Island depends on organisations like these that support our people, help improve our social well being and preserve our local history and culture. We all have a responsibility to help make our society a better place and Bank of Bermuda Foundation is committed to playing a part in this process.?

The charities that will receive grants of $25,000 or more are:

The Adult Education School which provides education for anyone over the age of 16 years.

Bermuda Cricket Board. The Bermuda National U15 cricket team is participating in the 2004 ICC Americas Regional U15 Tournament. The ICC World Cup Qualifying Tournament, which will be held July 5 to 11, will be sponsored by the Foundation.

Bermuda Institute of Seventh-day Adventists which provides young people with skills beyond those taught in the classroom.

Bermuda National Gallery which will be partnering with the Bermuda Aquarium Natural History Museum and Zoo to present ?Ocean Drifters: Looking Through the Lens of Peter Parks?.

Fair Havens Christian Care Association which will reopen after a year to offer a redesigned programme to provide a quality treatment solution for women in Bermuda suffering from drug dependency.

The Family Learning Centre which helps families in crisis work towards creating positive and healthy family environments.

Masterworks Foundation which is working with the bank to create a museum of international standards to house their Bermudiana Collection in the Botanical Gardens.

The Salvation Army of Bermuda which is working toward providing a Community Emergency Response Vehicle.