A chef’s 80th birthday celebration raised almost $5,000 for local organisations.

Fred Ming, who marked the milestone on May 10, asked people to bring donations to an event at the Police Recreation Club, Prospect.

The Salvation Army and cancer care charity Pals each received $2,000, and $800 was raised for Christ Anglican Church, Devonshire.

Mr Ming explained: “I thought Pals and the Salvation Army would be good organisations to contribute to because people are in great need of their services.”

Major Cathy Simms, Divisional Commander of Salvation Army Bermuda, said the funds will go towards the organisation’s food bank programme, because “the greatest community need right now is food security”.

Colleen English DeGrilla, the executive director at Pals, said the charity will use the money to buy food vouchers for some of its clients.

Mr Ming thanked everyone who contributed to the fundraiser, especially his children Tamara and Shawn.

He also thanked the Devonshire Police Club for allowing him to use its facilities for the event.