A range of charities are to get a boost from the XL Catlin End-to-End walk this year.

The Bermuda Sloop Foundation, cancer charity Pals, the Bermuda School of Music and Bermuda Diabetes Association will all benefit from the May 5 event.

The Royal Gazette is platinum sponsor.

Anne Mello, chairwoman of the End-to-End Charitable Trust, praised all contributing organisations and individuals.

She said: “Because of their support, we are able to distribute 100 per cent of all participants’ entry fees and fundraising efforts to our selected charities.”

The End-to-End has raised more than $5.5 million, given 202 charity grants and involved 45,000 participants in its 31-year history.

Participants and donors are encouraged to Commit to Community by raising funds while having fun.

Diana Martin of the Bermuda Sloop Foundation said: “Community support is essential to the continuation of our important and award-winning sail training programme.

“All funds received will go towards student expeditionary learning voyages on our floating classroom, Spirit of Bermuda.

“Heartfelt thanks go to all involved in the event and to the amazing Bermuda community for helping us continue to Change Lives, One Voyage at a Time, Over Time.”

Colleen English DeGrilla from Pals added: “We continue to treat cancer patients throughout their journey in the home and provide a holistic approach to care. We currently spend over $3,000 a day on patient care and this grant will enable us to further enhance and develop our services.”

Chas Arnold from the Bermuda School of Music said: “It is our mission to deliver the power and benefits of music through instrumental instruction and we are thrilled that we are able to continue doing so with your support.”

Debbie Jones from the Bermuda Diabetes Association added: “Funds from this event will be used to design and build the association’s education and teaching kitchen in our new building which will be called the End-to-End Teaching Kitchen.

“Being overweight and obese is the underlying factor for diabetes as well as so many other chronic diseases.

“Teaching people how to cook and eat healthily is key to making the changes necessary to turn the diabetes epidemic around. We would like to thank everyone on the End-to-End committee for choosing us as one of the charities.”

The End-to-End will also offer participants the chance to vote for one additional charity to receive a grant of $30,000.

The nominees are ABC Football Foundation, Bermuda Red Cross, Family Centre, and WindReach.