Axa XL has donated more than $1 million to non-profit organisations in Bermuda dealing with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Funds distributed this year by the international insurer include $50,000 towards the purchase of ventilators and other required equipment for the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and more than $1 million donated to various charities.

Among the organisations assisted were: Age Concern Bermuda, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Bermuda, Bermuda Diabetes Association, Bermuda Institute for Ocean Sciences, Bermuda National Trust, the Bermuda Red Cross, Bermuda School of Music, Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, Bermuda Zoological Society, the Coalition for the Protection of Children, Friends of Hospice and Agape House Hospice, Focus Substance Abuse Interventions Agency, the Family Centre, Habitat for Humanity, IMPACT Mentoring Academy, Meals on Wheels, Open Airways, Pals Cancer Care in Bermuda, The Eliza DoLittle Society, The Reading Clinic, The Salvation Army, Tomorrow’s Voices, Vision Bermuda, WindReach and the Women’s Resource Centre.

Throughout the pandemic, Axa XL has also providied specific support to several schools, namely Impact Mentoring Academy, CedarBridge Academy and Victor Scott Primary School.

For example, during the initial phase of the pandemic, the company and individual colleagues purchased more than 50 computer tablets for Victor Scott Primary School students and collaborated with One Communications to assist the students with remote learning. Axa XL also continued its sponsorship of the school’s summer programme.

Kennelyn Smith, Victor Scott Primary School Principal, said: “Axa XL is an asset to the Victor Scott School community. For a number of years, Axa XL has taken the school under its wing and for this we are ever so grateful.

“Axa XL is very targeted and focused with the support that they provide to the school. As a result of their continuous efforts, Axa XL has afforded our school with resources and opportunities that will enable our students to work to their full potential.

“Axa XL’s commitment to our students has been exemplified during the Covid-19 pandemic. During the time of global strife, Axa XL rallied together and donated devices to the homes of our students. This resulted in an increase in the number of students who had access to teaching and learning during remote learning.

“The Victor Scott School community extends it heartfelt thanks to Axa XL for all that they have done thus far to support the educational endeavours of our students.”

Frank Amaral, chief executive officer of One Communications, said earlier this year: “We are honoured to have collaborated with Axa XL on this critical initiative to provide complimentary internet services to students at Victor Scott without home internet access. As Bermuda diligently navigates the challenges of the pandemic, One Communications is committed to the success of the children in our community and recognise the vital role that internet plays during a time of remote learning.”

Most recently, Axa XL has also committed to supporting The Salvation Army’s efforts to provide groceries for seniors in need during the holidays. Funding that would have been used for Axa XL’s annual Bermuda staff and children’s holiday parties, which were cancelled this year due to the pandemic, has been specifically donated for the seniors initiative.

Patrick Tannock, chief executive officer of Axa XL’s Bermuda insurance operations and president of the XL Foundation, Axa XL’s philanthropic unit in Bermuda, said: “As leaders in the international business sector of Bermuda, we at Axa XL are proud of the collaboration that has and continues to take place between international and local businesses and the third sector to support the community at such a critical time.

“We’re also deeply indebted and impressed by the work of those on the frontline, particularly in the healthcare and the non-profit sectors, who continue to make a real difference to our community.

“We’re honoured to be able to support their efforts in taking care of the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of those in need, some of whom have lost jobs due to the pandemic and others who during the local lockdown earlier this year could not simply transition from working on the ‘job’ to working remotely from home but made the economic sacrifice to stay home for the health and safety of all of us.”

Paul Simons, Axa XL’s CEO of Bermuda reinsurance and head of property, global markets, said: “The global pandemic has challenged us as never before and we are fortunate to be able to support local charities through these unprecedented times. Given the current and anticipated longer term economic impact, we believe that strengthening those who provide community relief is of utmost importance and in so doing fulfils Axa’s purpose to ‘act for human progress by protecting what matters’.”