With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic creating hardships for many, it makes Christmas especially challenging. As we head into the holidays, there’s no better time to embrace the spirit of ‘Caymankind’. Acts of kindness, big and small, can make a positive difference in people’s lives. Whether donating money, goods or volunteering your time, giving back will help build stronger communities.
Here are a few ways to give back this Christmas.
Cayman Islands Red Cross
The Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) is a humanitarian relief organisation which is part of a wider global operation. It provides disaster management and aid during times of crisis – such as the COVID-19 pandemic – in both Cayman and around the world. It also funds first aid and aquatics training for the public, and campaigns to increase awareness and prevention of HIV and AIDS as well as child sexual abuse. The CIRC runs a thrift shop in George Town and welcomes donations.
As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, it launched a community engagement campaign, #PaintCaymanRed, on 1 May 2021, which will run for one year. The Red Cross is encouraging businesses, schools, community groups and individuals to find ways to get involved with the Red Cross.
HOW TO HELP
The CIRC is always in need of volunteers and donations. Online donations can be made via its website – redcross.org.ky – and through bank transfer:
Bank: Bank of Butterfield
Account KYD: 02-101-035054
Account USD: 840-035054-00-50
Bank: RBC
Account KYD: 1142504
Account USD: 7339047
To volunteer, connect via its website: redcross.org.ky
National Children’s Voluntary Organisation
The National Children’s Voluntary Organisation (NCVO) is one of Cayman’s longest-standing charities. The non-profit group is dedicated to the care, education and well-being of children and families in need of support.
NCVO oversees the Jack and Jill Nursery, Miss Nadine’s Preschool and the Nadine Andreas Foster Home. It also runs a thrift shop, New to You Bargain Store on Anthony Drive, which accepts donations of gently used clothing, household goods and children’s items.
Donations and volunteers are always welcome to support the NCVO’s operational costs and programmes.
“We need an army of volunteers for fundraising activities,” says CEO Paola Juarez-Robinson.
Assistance with the organisation’s utility bills, which are around $3,000 a month, is on the NCVO’s Christmas wish-list.
“CUC gift cards would be an amazing Christmas gift,” says Juarez-Robinson, who is also encouraging companies and volunteers to become goodwill ambassadors of the NCVO.
HOW TO HELP
Online donations can be made year-round via the website – ncvo.org.ky – and through bank transfer:
Bank: Cayman National Bank Ltd.
Account KYD: 011-05773
Account USD: 022-09582
To volunteer, email: [email protected]
or sign up via ncvo.org.ky
Resilience Cayman
Resilience Cayman was formed in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to address the immediate and long-term issue of food insecurity for residents affected by job loss and business closures.
In its first six months, Resilience Cayman provided food assistance to 3,000 individuals and families on island.
The volunteer-run group initially started operations under the management of Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce and has since registered as an independent non-profit organisation in the Cayman Islands.
It recently launched a new COVID-19 financial assistance programme, which provides food vouchers, utilities relief and rent assistance to eligible individuals and families.
“Donations are always appreciated as we are 100% funded through private donations,” says organiser Jan Gupta.
The group is also seeking volunteers for several initiatives, including its financial counselling programme for low-income families; a management trainee programme assisting young Caymanian college graduates in business skills; and help with its food voucher programme for those facing financial hardship.
Another initiative is Local Market, an online marketplace for all things made-in-Cayman. It invites the community to sign up for a free membership at localmarket.ky. Customers can browse and shop online and have products like farm produce, local honey, lionfish earrings, beef jerky, soaps and candles delivered right to their door.
“For the holiday season, they can also buy gift cards to send to their friends and family,” says Gupta. “This allows us all to support local farmers and artisans by buying directly from them – 100% of the purchase proceeds go to the vendor.”
HOW TO HELP
Online donations can be made via the organisation’s website – resilience.ky – and through bank transfer:
Bank: RBC
Account KYD: 06975-1150143
Account USD: 06975-7504566
To volunteer, connect via the website: resilience.ky
Other local non-profits to consider this Christmas:
Cayman’s ARK – Acts of Random Kindness
t: 323-0719
e: [email protected]
w: arkcayman.org
Cayman Food Bank
t: 926-6111 or 946-1840
e: [email protected]
w: caymanfoodbank.com
Meals on Wheels
t: 769-1974 or 546-8886
e: [email protected]
w: mealsonwheels.ky
w: pledgeasenior.com
Feed Our Future
t: 916-0923
e: [email protected]
w: feedourfuturecayman.org
Cayman Islands Humane Society
t: 949-1461
e: [email protected]
w: caymanislandshumanesociety.com
One Dog at a Time
t: 917-8284
e: [email protected]
w: odaat.ky
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