Local charities always need assistance, but particularly at this time of the year.
While many in the community shop for gifts, enjoy parties with friends and family, and look forward to Christmas Day, others are going without.
Volunteers come together to make sure that everyone (including our furry companions) has the chance to enjoy some festive cheer – all they need is support from the community.
This week, there are quite a few events on the calendar with the goal of raising funds for worthy causes. Even if you can’t participate, consider making a donation so all in Cayman have a merry Christmas.
Saturday, 11 Dec.
Toys4Tots Collection Day
Cost-U-Less and Next Chapter
10am-3pm
Every year, the Cayman Islands Motorcycle Riders Association sets up collection points for new toys that members then distribute to needy children around the island. On Saturday, they will be out in force at Cost-U-Less in Governors Square and Next Chapter in Camana Bay, hoping that people will dig deep and be generous.
“We collect toys for all ages, from babies to teenagers,” president of CIMRA, Keith Keller, said. “Often, the older children are hard to get gifts for, so people can donate money as well. We then use those funds to go shopping and fill the gaps so no child is left out.”
Any rider who donates a toy gets free registration for the motorcycle run the next day (Sunday, 12 Dec.). For an additional $25, they can also buy a raffle ticket that includes lunch after the run. The starting point is the Cayman Turtle Centre in West Bay at 11am and the route takes them to East End, where there is a water stop, before they turn back to the beginning. It is always quite the sight for onlookers, seeing a parade of gleaming bikes making their way along the roads of Cayman. Santa has even made an appearance some years, riding pillion. One thing’s for sure: You’ll hear the engines before you see them.
Riders and non-riders gather at the Turtle Centre when the ride is over, for lunch and the raffle draw. Food will also be on sale.
“We’re hoping everyone will register for the run in advance this year, at the collection points on Saturday,” Keller said. “We’re also asking the public to please stop by and donate if they can. It’s been a rough couple of years for kids – they really deserve a good Christmas.”
| For more information about this event and CIMRA, email [email protected].
Sunday, 12 Dec.
Jingle Bell Walk/Run
Holiday Inn Resort
7am start
This has become a firm favourite on the festive calendar. It’s a little bit of an early start, when you consider that late-night parties are de rigueur at this time of the year, but the Jingle Bell Walk/Run never fails to get a terrific turnout. This event raises money for the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre, which shelters vulnerable women and children – one of the many reasons it is so strongly supported. Santa Claus himself shows up to help give out prizes from the raffle draw and toys to children, with the odd hokey joke thrown in for good measure. A prize will be given for the most festive attire, so dress to impress.
The Jingle Bell is a very social affair, and thanks to cooler winter temperatures, almost anyone can join in without feeling like they’ve been trampled by reindeer at the end.
Registration is $25 in advance or $30 on the day and post-event breakfast will be provided to all race participants. Everyone is asked to ensure that they bring their own water bottle, as in order to reduce environmental impact, a water stop will not be provided.
| For more information, and to register in advance, email [email protected] or visit www.cicc.ky.
Thursday, 16 Dec.
Scoobyluminations
Rackams Waterfront
6pm start
It should come as no surprise in the islands that instead of flying in, Santa and his singing elves will arrive portside at Rackams for Scoobyluminations, pulled by his glowing, underwater reindeer. After disembarking, he’ll settle down by his Christmas tree and welcome children, adults, dogs and pups to have their photo taken with him for free.
Throughout the evening, One Dog At A Time puppies will be present for a cuddle, and donations of dog food, treats and puppy pads will be gratefully received. Purchase gifts from the ODAAT pop-up shop, along with $5 tickets for the Christmas raffle draw. Prizes include staycations at the Holiday Inn and The Meridian.
The ODAAT ‘Z’ pups will be at the event, including Zion and Zena. All of them will be looking for permanent homes, so please consider adoption and give them the best gift an animal can receive: the gift of love.
| For more information about One Dog At A Time, visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/onedogatatime13 or website at www.odaat.ky.
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