From the crack of dawn on Christmas Day, the Lions Community Centre becomes a beehive of activity as members and volunteers stack gifts and groceries into vehicles for delivery to seniors and those in need.
The sight of yellow vests, the Lions Club of Grand Cayman signature attire, in communities around the island has become a tradition on Christmas Day. For the last 51 years, members of the Red Bay club have spread cheer to the less fortunate and elderly.
Club President Patricia Forbes, speaking with the Cayman Compass, said they opted to start deliveries over the holiday weekend this year, a break from the Christmas Day tradition, as demand has grown.
“For decades, the Club has been delivering groceries and gifts on Christmas morning, however, this year the numbers have grown exponentially. And with more members traveling abroad, we had to make the decision to start two days before Christmas so that by midday Christmas Day the hundreds impacted would have received groceries and gifts, [and] greeted with Christmas cheer,” she said.
“It is very important for the Club to do this each year as our motto states ‘We Serve’”.
Forbes said the Lions Club of Grand Cayman is very thankful for the kind generosity of the community that supports its various fundraising events, “so that we can give back to the most vulnerable, i.e. our elderly, those with special needs and the precious children from the various districts”.
The Club distributed gifts and grocery bags throughout Grand Cayman. They were supported by members of the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens and the Leo Club.
Forbes said this community service would not be possible without the support of those who gave up their family time to spread the joy.
“We have a team of superstar volunteers, who throughout the year shine with joyful service,” she said, adding, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year. It is the miraculous time of the year, the time of the greatest gift of all with the birth of Jesus.”
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