Local Cayman Charities

 

The Cayman Islands are home to many different charities that spread awareness, raise funds and educate citizens on the diseases and issues that impact island communities. Typically run by volunteers, these groups are a great resource for individuals looking to learn more about certain illnesses or offer their services for a good cause. The following Cayman charities promote the fight against cancer, diabetes, animal abuse, dementia, hunger and more.

 

Cayman Islands Cancer Society

http://www.cics.ky/

 

 

The Cayman Islands Cancer Society is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1995. Committed to battling cancer, the foundation's preventative efforts include providing proper education and screening initiatives to islanders. Cancer patients in Cayman are offered a financial aid program, counselling and support, as well as vaccination and voucher programmes. The Cayman Islands Cancer Society has a cancer registry and hosts many exciting, informative events and fundraisers in the islands to raise money and awareness.

 

The Breast Cancer Foundation

http://www.breastcancerfoundation.ky/

 

 

The Cayman Islands Breast Cancer Foundation raises funds to support the fight against breast cancer, a deadly disease many women face in their lifetimes. Formed in 2009, this non-profit organization is registered with the islands' government and provides financial support to a number of smaller local charities spreading the word about this condition. The Breast Cancer Foundation supplies financial aid to those in need and organizes regular fundraising events, such as the well-received annual Breast Cancer Gala.

 

Meals on Wheels

https://www.facebook.com/meals.onwheels.58

 

 

Founded in 1997, Meals on Wheels provides hot, nutritious meals to islanders in need. Operating in George Town, the East End and Bodden Town, it is staffed entirely by volunteers and supported by citizen and corporate donations, as well as fundraising. Geared specifically towards seniors in the Cayman Islands, Meals on Wheels is committed to deliverying healthy dishes right to their doors, including meals designed to meet special dietary requirements, such as low sodium and diabetes.

 

Cayman Islands Diabetes Association (CIDA)

http://www.caymandiabetes.com/

 

 

The Cayman Islands Diabetes Association is a registered non-profit organization that supports the fight against diabetes. An official member of the International Diabetes Federation, which is active in over 165 countries, it spreads awareness through educational materials, information and events. The CIDA holds regular charitable events to support their initiatives, including an annual 5-kilometre run/walk and children's poster competition. World Diabetes Day is celebrated every 14th of November and, as of 2010, the association has been partnered with the Cayman Heart Fund to provide free diabetes screenings. The CIDA joined the international federation's Life for a Child programme in 2010, supporting 25 diabetic youth in the islands, and also participates in Australia's Insulin for Life programme, which donates supplies to recognized organizations. New volunteers are always welcome.

 

Cayman Islands Humane Society

 

The Cayman Islands Humane Society is an animal welfare charity dedicated to providing care and shelter for the islands' unwanted animals. They provide homeless cats and dogs with the attention they deserve before seeking out loving, responsible forever homes, and speak out against abuse and overpopulation. The island Humane Society promotes responsible pet ownership and animal welfare through regular general meetings, fundraisers and events, as well as spay and neuter clinics. The Humane Society's foster programme, through which island volunteers house, train and love adoptable animals, helps prepare dogs and cats for re-homing. Islanders are encouraged to stop by the shelter to meet adoptable dogs and cats and browse the society's book and thrift shops.

 

Cayman Islands Seafarer Association

 

The Cayman Islands Seafarer Association is a unique foundation that benefits island seamen and their families. Located in Savannah, Grand Cayman, this non-profit organization was founded in 1994 and has a distinct focus on fundraising and benevolence. The Seafarers Association's office is open Monday through Friday and islanders enjoy attending regular events, including an annual Christmas raffle. Seafarer's Hall is available to the public for rent and is ideal for wedding receptions, staff parties, baby showers and meetings.

 

Cayman Heart Fund

 

 

The Cayman Heart Fund is a non-government association that campaigns for the reduction of cardiovascular disease, which is the most prevalent health problem in the islands today. They host a wide variety of fundraisers and events for the community and provide educational materials and preventative screenings to citizens at risk. With a goal of preventing and reducing the death, suffering and disability associated with cardiovascular disease, the Cayman Heart Fund seeks to implement educational and awareness programmes, including workplace CPR and defibrillator training courses, improve diagnostic techniques and treatment and much more.

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cayman Islands

 

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cayman Islands is a community-based organization that focuses on mentoring children. Founded on the belief that every child has the ability to succeed, this independent, non-profit charity was first introduced in Grand Cayman in the 1980s. Dedicated to providing children with enduring, friendship-based, professionally-supported one-on-one relationships, Big Brothers Big Sisters relies on donations and sponsorship to operate. School-based mentoring, community-based mentoring a group activities programme are available, and interested islanders are encouraged to apply to become a big sibling. Qualified individuals complete a 4-step programme and are then matched with a little brother or sister who shares their interests.

 

Cayman's Acts of Random Kindness (ARK)

 

 

Cayman's Acts of Random Kindness, or ARK, supports individuals in unique crisis circumstances in Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The organization, which lists “paying it forward” as its motto, is run by a small team of volunteers who organize events, fundraisers and resources for citizens. In addition, Cayman's ARK boasts more than 300 members, who donate their time and money towards running and attending events, boosting awareness and fundraising. The charity's “Feed Cayman” programme is particularly notable and was put in place to combat widespread hunger is in the islands. Founded in 2006, Cayman's Acts of Random Kindness strives to serve as a friend to islanders in need.

 

Alzheimer's and Dementia Association of the Cayman Islands (ADACI)

 

 

Founded in 2012, the Alzheimer's and Dementia Association of the Cayman Islands is currently registering as a non-profit organization in the islands. Also on track to become a member of the Alzheimer's Disease International, they are making a name for themselves as a representative of these dementias in Cayman. The ADACI will be managed entirely by volunteers and funded by fundraising and donations, and aims to raise awareness, promote education, support sufferers, families and carers and much more throughout the islands. In addition to hosting regular events to raise money for the cause, the ADACI hopes to one day provide formal training, a directory of trained carers, financial assistance and a respite facility for carers.

 

Cayman AIDS Foundation

 

The Cayman AIDS Foundation was formed to provide a better quality of life for islanders affected by HIV/AIDS. The CAF provides education regarding the spread and dangers of the disease, as well as support and guidance to those suffering from and impacted by it. In addition, it promotes regular HIV testing and speaks out against the discrimination often experienced by infected individuals. In honour of World AIDS Day, which is held annually on December 1st, the Cayman AIDS Foundation plans a week of exciting events, such as the Scarlet Sky Gala, free testing, HIV presentations, Dress Down Day and an awareness march.

 

Cayman Islands Red Cross

 

 

Cayman's Red Cross recently celebrated their 50th active year in the islands. An organization committed to preserving humanity and helping people in need, it runs a number of humanitarian programmes for Caymanians, such as First Aid, Disaster Management, a Thrift Shop and AIDS/HIV Awareness. Volunteers and corporate partners are essential to this charity's success, as are fundraisers like annual golf tournaments and marathons. The Red Cross' services include CPR training and educational community visits, and the charity headquarters conference room is available for rent by individuals and businesses.

 

Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts (CARE)

 

A charitable company in the islands, CARE was founded in 2008 by a group of Humane Society volunteers who wanted to do more to prevent the cruelty, suffering and over-population of animals. With an ultimate goal of transforming Cayman into a no-kill society, CARE promotes and educates the public on issues such as spaying and neutering and responsible pet ownership. They run spay and neuter and trap, neuter, return programmes and provide significant information on animal behaviour. CARE hosts regular fundraising events in the community; volunteers and foster families are always needed.