A cedar tree was planted in the Royal Naval cemetery today to celebrate National Philanthropy Day.

Members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Bermuda Chapter and the Bermuda National Trust planted the tree in honour of Conduit Re, which raised $420,000 for 13 local charities through its Gala of Giving event.

A statement said the tree is part of a larger plot for annual planting by AFP Bermuda to recognise impactful philanthropy on the island.

Stuart Quinlan, the Conduit Re deputy chief executive and chief operating officer, explained: “From inception, Conduit has always aimed to make positive contributions to the community where we have established our business.

“The Conduit Foundation focuses its funding on a selection of charities local to Bermuda.

“Additionally, we have purposely built a culture where the giving of time and resource by staff is encouraged, to help further the progress and good work of local charities.”

Myles Darrell, the BNT head of natural heritage, said the tree-planting “could not be more appropriate as we seek to increase sustainability on our island home in the face of climate change”.

Ann Spencer-Arscott and Katie Bennett, co-presidents of AFP Bermuda, added: “We are excited to honour Conduit Re this year … we thank them for all they do for Bermuda and our third sector.”