Funds which were earmarked for the ACE Tempest Re ten-year anniversary party have instead been donated to seniors in Bermuda who still need assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Fabian.

The $25,000 donation brings the total amount donated by the private sector to a special fund set up by the National Office for Seniors to $100,000.

?Some things are more important and long-lasting than corporate life,? said ACE president and chief executive officer Chris McKeown at a Cabinet press conference yesterday.

?ACE Tempest Re was established as a property catastrophe reinsurer in 1993 in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, and we were planning a company-wide celebration in recognition of our tenth year in business,? he explained.

?As a result of the devastation caused by Hurricane Fabian, we thought the funds budgeted for our anniversary celebrations could be better spent helping the community in which we live and work. There?s no better place to start than at home.?

Health Minister Patrice Minors confirmed the fund started by the National Office for Seniors is completely separate from the consolidated fund used for general assistance and clean-up after Hurricane Fabian.

The Office has spent about $64,000 of the money on 19 different projects already, with another 11 under way. The ACE donation will be used to cover the cost of general clean-up, restoration and rebuilding work on seniors? homes.

Ms Minors stated her pleasure at the partnership between the public and private sectors, hoping it would continue. ?We are extremely grateful to ACE Tempest Re for its support,? added National Office for Seniors manager Dr. Melvin Dickinson.

Seniors who wish to be assisted by the National Office can contact Dr. Dickinson at 292-7802.