Bermuda’s leading insurers and reinsurers donated more than $3 million to local charities during the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the first six months of the year, members of the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers donated $3.1 million of support for Bermuda charities.

The largest beneficiary was the Bermuda Community Foundation Covid-19 Emergency Fund, which received more than $500,000. The King Edward VII Memorial Hospital received almost $400,000 to support funding for ventilators, personal protection equipment and supplies.

There were also donations for students including laptops to assist with online learning, along with priorities for food charities, including Meals on Wheels and The Eliza DoLittle Society.

Albert Benchimol, president and chief executive officer of Axis Capital and chairman of Abir, said: “Abir member companies are ensuring that Covid-19-focused charitable giving responds to Bermudians’ needs during this global pandemic. From ensuring Bermudian students studying abroad return home safely to family, to supporting world-class technology at the island’s hospital, Abir member companies have responded to Bermuda’s call.”

Myra Virgil, CEO and managing director of the Bermuda Community Foundation, said: “BFC extends a heartfelt thanks to Abir member companies on behalf of the non-profit organisations and their leaders that ensure Bermudians in need receive essential and emergency services. The swift and generous contributions meant funding could get where it was most needed during the crisis.”

BFC contributions have been directly deployed to non-profit and coordinating partners who have helped others in a number of ways, including providing meals and food to vulnerable families; ensuring the safety of women and their children fleeing domestic violence; responding to more than 200 calls from people in distress; and ensuring Wi-Fi/technology for more 300 residents in senior care homes and that staff and volunteers had access to PPE.

John Huff, president and CEO of Abir, said: “Abir member companies — with 74 per cent of team members being Bermudian — stepped up quickly and decisively and took a leading role at a time when Bermuda really needed it. Each one did their part, through corporate donations, matching employee donations, increasing their volunteer efforts and consulting with their own employees to select the beneficiary charities.”

He added: “Our Abir members believe in Bermuda and want to see a strong future for the island and its people. Once again, it has been gratifying to see Bermuda’s great companies pulling together to do good things for our local community.”