The Bermuda Sloop Foundation

Robin Hamil, chief executive for the Bermuda Sloop Foundation, said: “The Bermuda Sloop Foundation offers character and educational development programmes for the youth of Bermuda using sail training and experiential learning aboard Spirit of Bermuda. In 15 years, we have impacted 7,500 students through our residential expeditions and overseas voyages.

“In 2023, our desire is that all Bermuda’s M3 middle schoolchildren will have the opportunity to participate in our overnight residential programmes so we can inspire them to discover and connect with themselves and the world around them – building confidence in themselves, their ability to trust others and the power of teamwork.

“Our priority has always been to enable participation in our youth development programmes at no charge to public M3 middle school students. Our wish is that the Bermuda community will continue to support the foundation, and in doing so, support our young people at a critical time in their development.

“We hope that many of Bermuda’s youth will go on to experience an overseas voyage on Spirit to a port of historical and cultural importance to Bermuda, realise their potential and become positive, productive members of our community – pursuing alternate pathways to technical, mechanical, engineering, and maritime careers.

“We continue to collaborate with like-minded organisations such as Waterstart, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Mirrors and Endeavour.

“Most of all we wish everyone happiness, good health and prosperity in the New Year.”

To find out more about the Bermuda Sloop Foundation, visit https://bermudasloop.org/

The Bermuda Diabetes Association

Lori Rockhead, executive director for the Bermuda Diabetes Association, said: “I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our donors and members. Your generosity and support offer a lifeline to people in our community living with diabetes. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you.

“Your support allows us to make a difference in people’s lives, whether it is supplying life-saving medications, assisting people to better manage their condition with new tools or providing nutritional and lifestyle guidance to prevent diabetes. The Bermuda Diabetes Association team is inspired by you and the many people living with diabetes striving to live long and fulfilling lives.

“Turning to 2023, I am filled with hope about the potential to unite organisations, healthcare providers and decision makers around the need to implement changes to the healthcare system which will make it more affordable and accessible for everyone.

“I know that system-wide change is ambitious and Bermuda already faces strong head winds owing to our ageing population. Undaunted, the Bermuda Diabetes Association will focus on the following areas:

“Embracing alliances with other not for profits, health professionals and the Government to reduce the incidence of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases through early identification of risk factors and provision of preventive care.

“Education and promotion of healthy habits. Establishing healthy habits, including small changes in diet and exercise, can make a huge difference to our ability to live well. It doesn’t matter how old you are, you just need to start.

“Expanding access to essential treatment services and medicine to improve the lives of people living with diabetes, and to prevent the devastating complications associated with diabetes.”

More information about the Bermuda Diabetes Association is available on its website. A newsletter can be requested via e-mail at media@diabetes.bm

Bermuda Is Love: [Not a registered charity but an organisation that does charitable work]

Aaron Crichlow, co-founder of Bermuda is Love, said: “Bermuda Is Love would love to see a future in which everyone’s basic needs are met. We want to see a Bermuda where no one has to worry about where their next meal is going to come from or where they are going to sleep at night.

“We want a Bermuda where everyone has guaranteed access to the very food, clothing, shelter, healthcare and education that they need to not only survive but which allows them to maintain a healthy and decent standard of living.

“Our main mission as a group is to advocate for basic needs as human rights. That everyone is entitled to the things we all need in order to survive. As a group we want to change hearts and minds to help us all recognise each other as equally important and valuable.

“No one person is better than another and because of that we all are owed a decent standard of living. Going forward into 2023 we wish to continue this message and hope that other like-minded people join the cause in ensuring that every Bermudian has their basic needs met.

“This can be as simple as volunteering with us, joining another group or creating your own and simply talking to each other about how we can make Bermuda a better place for everyone.”

To find out more about the group, visit @bdaislove or www.facebook.com/bermudaislove/

WindReach:

Tammalita Joseph, fund development manager, said donations help to support the charity’s many programmes.

She said: “Since 1999, the caring professionals at WindReach have proudly delivered educational and therapeutic services that enrich the quality of life for individuals living with disabilities and special needs. WindReach is a four-acre facility in Warwick Parish, featuring an activity centre, animal zone, therapeutic riding centre and a fully-accessible playground.

“WindReach has four programme pillars: Environmental Education, Life Skills, Therapeutic Riding and our Adult Day Programme. The broad opportunity that these educational and therapeutic programmes create is that through engagement in meaningful and purposeful person-centred programming, individuals who are living with disabilities can experience personal enrichment and an improved quality of life.

“The community support that our organisation receives throughout the year is amazing and we are beyond grateful.”

Anyone wishing to donate to WindReach can find information via https://www.windreachbermuda.org/