Bermuda has been “called upon to shine” by Hamilton Rotary Club, to throw a lifeline to those hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The charity will hold a concert at the West End, to be broadcast with a telethon, for vulnerable seniors and young people, with an emphasis on “captains of industry” to pitch in for those in need.

Graeme Henderson, club president, said Kirk Kitson, deputy chairman of Gorham’s Hardware, had already pledged a substantial amount to the cause.

Other company heads, chief executives, general managers and corporate leaders have been asked to follow suit.

The mini concert will be televised live from Snorkel Park, Dockyard at 8pm on November 27.

It will feature a Zoom performance from a soon-to-be-announced international artist, with a host of Bermudian talent, to perform before a limited audience.

The public can watch and pledge funds for “Community Aid – Bermuda Shines” at www.ptix.bm.

Funds raised will help the seniors homes that have borne the brunt of the pandemic crisis, as well as families with school-aged youngsters in need of internet connectivity and equipment to help with digital learning.

Mr Henderson said Rotarians “always strive to live up to our motto of ’service over self’”.

He added: “In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have all suffered major impacts to our normal way of life.

“Those of us who have been lucky have been able to continue productively with our professional lives, by leveraging technology and working remotely without loss of income.”

But many more have been less fortunate, he said.

“This includes, but is not limited to, the vulnerable elderly who have found themselves both isolated and socially disconnected due to their health safety concerns.

“Very often their despair is compounded by a lack of resources or the knowhow to use remote connectivity platforms that could allow them to congregate electronically with loved ones and friends.”

Mr Henderson said many others had been left “on the verge of destitution”.

He added: “Through no fault of their own, these hard-working Bermudians have had their livelihoods put on hold for an indefinite period of time.

“We are seeking to provide support for those and their families who are most vulnerable at this time.”