Shop for a cause

It’s a way to help local charities while cleaning out your closets.

Shop for a Cause is a monthly group garage sale held upstairs at the Cayman Islands Yacht Club, with proceeds going to not-for-profit organisations.

The event is the brainchild of Cindy Oostvogels, who launched Shop for a Cause in 2022 as a way of giving back to the community, as well as selling items she no longer wanted.

Money is raised through a $5 entrance fee and a $30 table rental fee. The table fee contributes to the chosen charity along with the discounted cost.

BARGAINS GALORE

The sales feature everything from household goods, clothing and shoes to jewellery, books and children’s items. It’s held at the end of each month (except in December) from 9am-1pm., on a Saturday or Sunday.

Meals on Wheels, NCVO, Humane Society, Alex Panton Foundation, One Dog at a Time, Addison Kelly Scholarship Fund, Jasmine, ARK, Light House School and Literacy is For Everyone are among the charities that have benefitted from the sales.

The first two charities to receive funds – the Breast Cancer Foundation and the Cayman Islands Cancer Society – are particularly significant to Cindy.

“I personally wanted to give back to both of these organisations for the assistance they provided me during my diagnosis of breast cancer, during COVID,” she says.

Cindy was diagnosed in July 2020, and underwent a double mastectomy in September that same year. It was an emotionally, physically and financially draining time.

“The Cayman Islands Cancer Society was with me every step of the way,” she says. “I have no doubt that I would not be alive today if it were not for CICS, with assistance from the Breast Cancer Foundation.”

HELPING HAND

After two years, Cindy’s commitments – working full-time at Compass Media as well as owning nail salon Polished – left her struggling to find time to organise the event. Her friend Kathryn Tarr took over earlier this year.

“Cindy truly established a fantastic event that now helps charities across the island every month while also assisting sellers in decluttering their homes,” says Kathryn. “I thoroughly enjoy running this event as it allows me to meet new people on the island and learn about various charitable organisations in Grand Cayman,” she says.

The sale typically draws around 20 vendors each month. “Someone’s clutter may end up being your treasure – whether it’s a new dress or a brand new coffee machine,” says Kathryn.

For more information about upcoming sales, contact Kathryn on 327-6669 or email [email protected]

This article originally appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of What’s Hot magazine.