Charities benefit from XL Global Day of Giving

XL employees went to work for nonprofit organisations all over the island on Friday, May 9.

Their services were donated by the company as part of its ninth annual community service program known as XL’s Global Day of Giving.

Around 120 of XL’s Bermuda-based employees were involved in the various activities, forming part of a global team of almost 3,000 XL colleagues doing the same in their communities around the world. The day of more than 175 projects began with the XL team in Australia, picking up momentum throughout the day in the Far East, Europe, Bermuda and the Americas.

“It’s powerful knowing that so many of us have been contributing to our communities at once,” said Amanda Outerbridge, XL’s Director of Philanthropy. “It adds up to almost 25,000 hours of community work in a day.

“In Bermuda, we really value what nonprofit organizations do in our community – and we want to help in any way we can. Sometimes it’s not just about the money, and our hands-on help can be just as valuable.”

This year XL employees were visible in their bright green branded T-shirts from St George’s to Dockyard working on 11 different projects.

• Hard work and physical labor was on the agenda with projects at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo and Trunk Island, the Bermuda National Trust’s historic Tucker House gardens, the Bermuda Audubon Society’s nature reserve in Paget, and Casemates at the Bermuda National Museum

• A team working for the Eliza DoLittle Society made enough food to feed well over 500 people – including vegetarian dishes, shepherd's pies, and desserts.

• At The Reading Clinic, one team used their creativity to make learning kits and games to help children with their Maths studies.

• Recycling was the order of the day with teams sorting and pricing second-hand items for sale at The Barn and Salvation Army thrift shops, and The Reading Clinic’s garage sale.

• The Relay for Life got a boost from another team who worked with staff of the Bermuda Cancer & Health Centre to prepare for the big event on May 31.

• Finally, the animals got some tender loving care from XL volunteers who spent the day at the SPCA.

Globally, attention was focused on various community issues including education/youth development, the environment, homelessness, hunger and senior care.