BERMUDA'S largest charity fundraiser, the Bermuda Catlin End-to-End (ETE) (photo above), is looking for this year's lucky charities to receive monies raised by the annual island-wide walk.

Each year, more than 2,500 walkers, runners, cyclists, rowers, swimmers and equestrians participate in the event, which ranges from five to 40 kilometers (24.1 miles), and raises funds for four to six charities. Over the event's 21 years of existence, participants have raised more than $2.5 million that has benefited 58 local charities.

In 2008, participants raised $244,000, which was distributed to six charities, including, Windreach Explorers Summer Camp, the Adult Education School, The Family Centre, The Duke of Edinburgh Award in Bermuda, Greenrock and Bermuda National Trust.

"The Catlin End-to-End team is geared up for 2009," said Bermuda End-to-End chair Anne Mello. "Our esteemed major sponsors are on board, once again committed to supporting this premier event. Our eager participants are ready to hit the roads to raise those pledge funds that help to make a positive difference in Bermuda. Our band of enthusiastic volunteers is set to serve. What we need now are some outstanding grant applications to win the support of this team in 2009."

In light in this year's global economic crisis, the ETE committee is looking for charities that provide an essential community service and as a result may need some additional support.

"We have a formal application process for charities wishing to be considered for our funds," Ms. Mello added. "In the present economic climate, our attention will be focused on organisations that most effectively address current community need.

"Successful applications for funding would show benefit for Bermuda's community, engender the support and enthusiasm of our fundraisers and sponsors, and be able to prove that donations are spent wisely and responsibly. "We also recognise that in the current economic climate, many charities providing essential support to the community may require special assistance. This will be our focus for giving the funds raised in 2009."

This year's event, to be held on Saturday, May 2, 2009, will be the 22nd "running" of the event, which starts in St. George and finishes in Dockyard.

Registered charities wishing to be considered for funding must be nonsectarian and the funding must support work in the local community. Application forms can be downloaded from the Catlin End-to-End website www.bermudaendtoend.bm and must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2008. Electronic submissions are preferred via etelogic.bm. In-person drop off is possible at Suite 544, 48 Par-la-Ville Road.