The XL Catlin End-to-End presentation ceremony last night marked the charity epic’s 30th since the event originated in 1988.

For this year’s charities, the $50,000 donations from the End-to-End proved a game-changer, as the Adult Education School, Age Concern, Greenrock and Raleigh Bermuda told The Royal Gazette — one of the main sponsors of the latest End-to-End.

According to Anne Mello, chairwoman of the End-to-End Charitable Trust, around $5.5 million has gone to 204 charity grants in the event’s history, with an estimated 45,000 participants over the years.

Adult Education executive director Donna Daniels said the money would go towards scholarships for young adults struggling with reading and language skills.

“It helps people who do not have the financial means to attend school — it gives them a second chance to work towards employment and greater independence,” she said.

Claudette Fleming of Age Concern said the seniors advocacy group would apply the donation towards its information and education call centre, where the group carried out its hardship referrals — “the hub of what we do”, she said.

“It’s often difficult to raise funds for our operations,” Ms Fleming added. “It’s rare, but critical.”

Greenrock, the environmental group, looked forward to building up its educational programme — particularly its eco-schools programme.

Davida Morris, Greenrock’s schools programme manager, said the scheme ultimately paid for itself: Victor Scott Primary School students in the latest academic year had been able to shave $4,000 to $5,000 a month off the school’s electricity bill.

Tina Nash, the executive director of Raleigh Bermuda, said the windfall would go “100 per cent” towards Raleigh’s work with the island’s young people.

“This helps us to support our young Bermudians in developing themselves to the best potential they can reach — to build a sense of purpose, hope and belonging.”