Two charities have received $1,000 each thanks to a great deal of effort by fund-raisers.

People who attend the Kiwanis Club in St George's organised a variety of events last year to help raise the cash, which will be used to assist both the sick and a children's nursery.

Evadne Caesar, a former president of the club, and David Burgess, director, handed equal cheques over on Monday to representatives from The Giving Tree Nursery and Agape Hospice for the terminally ill. Mr. Burgess said: "Each year we choose different charities to donate cash to and this year we decided on the hospice and the nursery.

"The hospice is always in need of funds and it does some great work, and the nursery was in desperate need of financial help and it fell into our criteria to help them.'' Kennita Perry, head teacher of the nursery, said it needed more cash to secure its future.

She said: "This money is going to keep us open at the moment. We have 14 children at the moment, but we need at least 20. Until we get up to 20, we will need money and help from people.'' Kim Burns, co-ordinator of the hospice, said she was also very grateful to the Kiwanis Club.

She added: "This is a great donation. The hospice has 12 beds which serve the terminally ill of Bermuda. These funds go towards paying for extras for the patients and their families, so they get the best quality care they deserve.'' Anyone who would like more information about putting their children, who must not be more than four years old, into the nursery should call Ms Perry on 297-4483.

Helping hands: Evandne Caesar (L), former president of the St. George's Kiwanis club, and director David Burgess (rear left) hand over cheques to Kennita Perry (rear right) of the Giving Trees Nursery and Kim Burns (R) of Agape House.