Age Concern has received a $5,000 donation from Axis Capital.

“The aim of our charitable donations committee is to look for opportunities to support initiatives that lay the foundation for the growth and development of the residents of Bermuda of all ages,” said a statement from Axis.

“We must never forget that older adults are an important part of the fabric of Bermuda. They contribute to our community in important ways. There are, however, times when older adults need additional help and resources.

“It is here where we saw the opportunity to support Age Concern in its work to enhance the quality of life of older Bermudians through its information, education and hardship programmes.”

Executive director of Age Concern Claudette Fleming said: “In my most recent report to the Age Concern membership and donors, I stated that the change in the financial climate in the last several years has meant that we have had to deliver services with fewer resources than we would have liked.

“However, through the work of committed staff members and volunteers who ensure our remains office operational, we continue to average up to 1,600 service contacts each year.

“Outside of general inquiries, the most prevalent information and advice requests in the last year have been the need for financial assistance services (128 contacts) and reports of seniors abuse (56 contacts).

“In the reporting year 2015-16, Age Concern provided financial support to 98 older adults through assistance with food, prescriptions drugs and related medical supplies, handyman repairs and electricity costs.”

Dr Fleming added: “Providing financial hardship support, however, is a small but significant part of what we do. Our membership programme is also growing. In fact, last year our membership leapt by more than 50 per cent. Without the support of organisations like Axis, it would be near to impossible to continue to do our work effectively.”

Alice Cedenio, Axis charity committee representative, stated: “It is our privilege to contribute to the great work of charitable organisations like Age Concern, an organisation that is dedicated to the wellbeing of older adults in Bermuda. We hope that many more seniors continue to benefit from their services.”