Co-operative Effort Opens The Bermuda American Relief Fund

Hamilton, Bermuda: 18 September 2001 - Bermuda residents who want to donate money in support of the families of the victims of last Tuesday's terrorist attack will be able to do so at their local bank branch. €˜The Bermuda American Relief Fund' has been set up as part of a co-operative effort between Bank of Bermuda, Bank of Butterfield, the Bermuda Industrial Union and the American Society of Bermuda.

The four local groups came together as each party sensed a need in the community for some way to contribute. It soon became clear that efforts should be combined and one common fund created so the Bermudian community had a very clear choice of how to contribute, if they wished to do so.

Bermuda residents who want to donate money will be able to go into any branch of either of the Banks or the BIU Members Credit Union and deposit into €˜The Bermuda American Relief Fund' account. Both banks are opening the account with donations of their own. Bank of Bermuda Foundation will be donating $250,000, and Bank of Butterfield $150,000. The BIU and the American Society of Bermuda will also be making a contribution to the fund. With the objective of ensuring the funds are used to the greatest benefit, a group consisting of a representative from each of the organisations will meet to determine their eventual distribution.

American Society of Bermuda spokesperson, Wil Weber, remarked: "We have been very touched by the emotional response of people in Bermuda and the fact that they are also looking to help the families affected by this tragedy. This joint effort makes the donation process simple for local people who wish to contribute."

CEOs Henry Smith, Bank of Bermuda, and Calum Johnston, Bank of Butterfield, commented: "We, like many people in Bermuda, were shocked by last week's events and wanted to be able to do something tangible to help. We felt both our organisations could assist people in Bermuda who want to support the families who have been directly affected by the attack. €˜The Bermuda American Relief Fund' seemed an ideal way of enabling people to contribute if they wish."

Derrick Burgess, MP, of the Bermuda Industrial Union added: "This is a time for us to come together as a community, and show our strength in unity. I encourage BIU members to help contribute to €˜The Bermuda American Relief Fund.' Many of us have families and can understand the devastation this tragedy causes on a very human level."

The Bermuda American Relief Fund account will be open for donations for one month beginning today, 18 September 2001. The Bermuda community will be kept fully informed about the total raised and which charity or charities will ultimately benefit.