By Lynn Markoff
The Pink Ladies Volunteer Corps’ Christmas Bazaar – the 43rd in the 45-year history of the non-profit – was a hub of festive activity this year.
Held at the Arts and Recreation Centre at Camana Bay on 22 Nov., the bazaar offered various traditions to help people get into the spirit of the season while giving back to the community.
Faye Lippett, who has been with the Pink Ladies for 14 years, said, “It’s not just a fundraiser; it’s a community outreach. That’s how we started. This event allows charities to come forward and partner with us, raise funds for their own organisations, but it also just brings the community together.”
Each of the charities this year, which included Jasmine, the Cayman Islands Humane Society, the Cayman Islands Cancer Society, Beads to Cure, NCVO and the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, had booths set up around the room offering various goods for sale, as well as information about their initiatives.
The Garden Club of Grand Cayman was also on site, with a large volume of potted plants and trees for sale on the lawn of the Arts and Recreation Centre from early in the day.
The Pink Ladies also had tables set up with local crafts and beautifully packaged food items for sale – all Christmas themed.
In addition to shopping for Christmas gifts, several activities took place throughout the afternoon to engage attendees. To keep the spirit lively, CayMusicA’s Starlight Swing Band played Christmas music followed by the Cayman National Choir, which sang Christmas carols, including Handel’s ‘Messiah’. Also performing were Bollywood Dance Pulse, CayMusica’s Cayman Youth Choir and Cayman Violin with Kate Knox.
A highlight of the afternoon was when Santa Claus and his elves arrived, and families lined up to have their photo taken with him.
Young people and kids could also have their face painted or enjoy arts and crafts. A large silent auction with a range of gift items was well attended. Hot tea and baked goods were also offered to attendees.
Julia Kandiah, one of the original Pink Ladies, said, “We like to keep the event very traditional, which is why we serve hot tea – a proper tea,” she said. She recalled her first Pink Ladies meeting 45 years ago where 20 volunteers got together.
Kandiah said the Pink Ladies started as a service club, but realised “having some money would be helpful,” so then started fundraising, and the Christmas Bazaar has been running annually ever since – except for 2004 following Hurricane Ivan. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic years, they managed to hold an event outside and do quite well.
“We make usually about $20,000 each time and then we give it away to all of our charities,” said Lippett. “While we give to the community, we receive a tremendous amount given back to us from small businesses that generously donate to our raffles.
“We are also given our breads, cookies and cupcakes, as well as tea and drinks from our supermarkets. Dart has, of course, always donated the ARC and security staff for us.”
The Pink Ladies has other fundraising activities planned for 2026, including a fashion show. People can visit its website for more details.
Lynn Markoff is a freelance journalist who has written for publications in the Cayman Islands since 2017.
Related Videos
