Government has established a hurricane relief fund for seniors and $75,000 has been provided by a little known global charitable foundation headquartered in Bermuda.

Atlantic Philanthropies, a Bermuda-based philanthropic organisation had donated $75,000 to help seniors with food needs and repairs to their homes, Health Minister Patrice Minors announced at a press conference yesterday.

And local contractor BCM McAlpine is donating the service of five quantity surveyors to help seniors with cost estimating and finding contractors.

Seniors in need should contact the National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged (292-7802).

Mrs. Minors stressed that residents should continue exhibiting a community spirit, saying: “Bermuda has seen a renewed community spirit in these trying weeks after Fabian.

“I renew the call for that neighbourliness to continue. Call your senior neighbour, that church member you haven't seen. Check on them and make sure that all is well. The Ministry wants no senior to fall through the cracks. As shown by these two organisations today this is a community effort and we must all get involved.”

Melvin Dickinson, director of the National Office for Seniors acknowledged that Government had not yet properly assessed the needs of seniors.

According to their website, the Atlantic Philanthropies - actually two Bermuda domiciled charities founded in 1982 - plan to donate their way out of existence by giving away some $3 billion over the next 12 to 15 years. It does not accept uninvited solicitations.