An annual fundraising event that supports an abuse intervention charity has eclipsed previous years in terms of support and the organiser invited additional help to realise a cause.

The Ride4Recovery Bermuda event raised $1,200 from three spin classes which were held at Streaker’s Spin Studio on Dundonald Street on September 27.

Fitness enthusiast Michaele Parfitt-Smith launched Ride for Recovery in 2018 to celebrate her journey back from addiction and raise funds for the substance abuse intervention charity Focus Counselling Services.

Ms Parfitt-Smith said earlier that $15,000 was secured from Ark Bermuda insurance and underwriting, to aid a solar project for Jerry’s House, the headquarters of Focus on Barry Road in St George’s.

Focus is the only treatment centre on the island which offers outpatient treatment services for adolescents and women as well as men.

The charity also offers residential treatment ― known as supportive living.

However, in January it reported an urgent 60 per cent shortfall in funds and Ms Parfitt-Smith stepped in with a pledge to raise $45,000 for Focus to gain some energy independence, through sessions of “spinning for solar”.

While she works to realise the goal, she said the project was still $30,000 short and she sought help from the corporate community to match the funds raised so far.

Ms Parfitt-Smith said last month’s fundraiser received pivotal support from CG Insurance and Zest Wellness, CTX Architecture and the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.

She added: “Between these three businesses, and a lot of footwork, the event was the best it has been in previous years.

“It was very inspiring to me to finally receive support and to be acknowledged in that way. I hope that next year we see more corporate partners and more participation from companies.”

She said support would be a great option for wellness committees across the island to consider for next year’s event.