Bermuda-headquartered Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, has pledged a half a million dollars over the next five years to the Bermuda Hospital Charitable Trust “Why it Matters” campaign.

During a donation ceremony at the Bacardi global headquarters, Bacardi Limited Chairman Facundo L. Bacardi and chief executive officer Michael J. Dolan presented BHCT Executive Director Ralph Richardson and BHCT board members Gavin Arton and David Lang with a letter of commitment for $500,000. The donation will be awarded over five years and will go toward the redevelopment of the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH). Bacardi already made its first-year gift payment of $100,000.

“Bacardi has identified with and given back to our adopted island home since establishing our global base in Bermuda nearly 50 years ago,” said Mr. Bacardi. “On behalf of Bacardi Limited and our Bermuda-based employees, it gives me great pleasure to present this gift to the Bermuda Hospital Charitable Trust as further demonstration of our contribution to the long-term development and future of Bermuda.”

Bacardi said in a statement that social responsibility has been the foundation of the company since even before the company was established, when its founder Don Facundo Bacardí Massó volunteered to lead humanitarian aid efforts after an earthquake devastated his hometown of Santiago de Cuba in 1852. Community engagement and accountability are ingrained in all aspects of the company’s work.

“Corporate social responsibility is at the core of Bacardi’s overall business approach,” added Mr. Dolan. “With this five-year commitment, our goal is to ensure that all Bermudians have access to state-of-the art healthcare where they live and work. When complete, this project will have a positive impact on each of our employees on the island.”

The company said that under the banner of “Spirit for Life, Caring Together” is a commitment from Bacardi to enable its workforce to get involved in local activities and give back to their communities in a variety of ways. The programme reinforces the company’s purpose and values and demonstrates the Bacardi commitment to responsible business practices in the communities where it sells its products.

As part of its ongoing corporate “Spirit for Life, Caring Together” programme in Bermuda, Bacardi regularly supports and contributes to the local arts, sports, heritage and culture.

Mr. Richardson said, “This generous donation from Bacardi goes toward the Why it Matters campaign to support the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital’s new Acute Care Wing. This gift will truly make a difference to the hospital’s patients and staff.

“We thank Bacardi for its contribution to patient care and to the people of Bermuda.”

In 2005, Bacardi Limited donated $600,000 to KEMH for the purchase and installation of a new state-of-the-art x-ray machine. In 2006, the x-ray machine was installed and named “The Bacardi Suite.”

In 1965, Bacardi established itself in Bermuda. Next June, Bacardi will celebrate its 50th anniversary in Bermuda.