The Pink Ladies Volunteer Corps has not been immune to the impact of the current economic downturn, yet the organisation has soldiered on making significant donations throughout the community.
During a recent yearly general meeting in February, the organisation reported funding of more than $70,000 to community projects in the Cayman Islands. Some of the groups and programmes receiving assistance included the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme, school lunches, the Crisis Centre, Cancer Society, Special Olympics, Cayman HospiceCare, Lighthouse School, Health Services Authority, Pines Retirement Home and the National Council of Voluntary Organisations.
The Pink Ladies was established in 1980 by Oliver Miller and Evelyn Andresen to offer volunteer services to the George Town Hospital and the Pines Retirement Home under the auspices of the NCVO. Since that time, roughly 70 women have offered their time and assistance in providing voluntary help throughout the community, which has included running fundraisers.
In charge of the ladies craft group, Selma Silva has been with the Pink Ladies for the past 17 years.
“Coming from Brazil I did not know much English, so I thought it was a good idea to join the group to brush up on my English not knowing it would become a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends, do things and have lots of fun in the process,” she said.
Working on a design for a project for the Christmas Bazaar, Val Strang said the end results and the friendship throughout the years make it worthwhile to join the Pink Ladies.
During the craft class, the women try to make nice, but useful items.
During the summer holidays, a number of students also help the ladies with the trolley service at the hospital, which operates on Mondays and Thursdays. The popular service offers snacks and drinks to staff, patients and visitors.
According to secretary Jane Moon, the organisation always needs additional members, especially younger women. There is a membership fee of $5, which covers administration costs and a T-shirt. The group is open to women 16 and older.
Project and volunteer help are needed at the Pines Retirement Home to assist front desk duties, including answering phones, greeting visitors and assisting the elderly with making calls. The volunteers also help with daily chores and other tasks.
At the Lighthouse School, a teacher’s assistant is needed for the physically or mentally challenged.
The craft class needs volunteers with basic sewing skills and creative ideas.
Anyone interested may contact Jane Moon by email at [email protected]
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