Published Apr 20, 2017 at 3:19 pm (Updated Apr 20, 2017 at 3:19 pm)

Some of the staff from Tokio Millennium who took part in this week's Day of Giving

Bermuda looks cleaner and tidier following the efforts of staff at Tokio Millennium Re who took part in a Day of Giving.

In addition to clearing invasive undergrowth, the employees help feed those in need and clear an arts foundation.

It was all in a day’s work for some 70 employees from the reinsurance firm.

The company’s annual Day of Giving on April 19 was aimed at helping charities across the island.

Kathleen Faries, head of Bermuda at Tokio Millennium Re, said: “Our Day of Giving is something that all our employees look forward to and want to get involved with.

“Charities in Bermuda play a vital role in the community and by donating our time and skills, we hope to make an impact.”

With the help of agronomist, Omari Dill, employees helped with various projects at the Kaleidoscope Art Foundation.

They transformed a large planting bed into a sensory garden for children to explore texture, smell, colour and taste and planted endemic Olivewood trees along the cedar tree roadway hedge which was damaged in recent hurricanes.

Another group of volunteers helped cook food, wash pots and deliver meals for Meals on Wheels. In the afternoon, they headed for the SPCA where they undertook the painting and cleaning of the dog kennels.

The Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS) is restoring the natural habitat at Trunk Island, in Harrington Sound, and is using it as a ‘living classroom’ for students.

Volunteers helped the restoration process by chopping down trees, removing branches, clearing bushes, making pathways with chippings and building classroom areas with wood.

They were joined by Kazuhiko ‘Fuku’ Sofuku, General Manager of SoftBank Team Japan, who took time out of America’s Cup preparations to help chop down trees and clear bushes.

Other projects included assisting the Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy with cleaning and organising their therapy room and helping Windreach with its stables and petting zoo.

Ms Faries added: “This is the fifth time we have held our annual Day of Giving. As well as doing our part to help, we also hope that we can shine a little light on the good work that is being done by some tremendous organisations and people.”

Since the Day of Giving tradition began, Tokio Millennium Re employees have donated 2,800 hours to charities locally.