“Giving is receiving”: it’s an age-old proverb that inspires people around the world to give with an open heart, particularly to those less fortunate or experiencing hardship. As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving – both in the USA and Cayman – and ready our homes for holiday festivities, it’s worth considering ways you can make an impact on someone’s life during the season.
Donate Air Miles
Members of Cayman Airways’ frequent flyer programme can easily support several local non-profit organisations through the donation of earned air miles. Donated Sir Turtle Rewards miles can be redeemed for airline tickets to offset the cost of medical travel, animal transportation and fundraising efforts for the organisation itself. Charities supported under the programme include the Breast Cancer Society, Cayman HospiceCare, Cayman Islands Humane Society, Cayman Islands Cancer Society and Cayman AIDS Foundation, among others.
For more information about donating your Sir Turtle Rewards miles, visit caymanairways.com/sirturtlerewards.
Feed the Elderly
For many, Thanksgiving and Christmas are synonymous with large, elaborate gatherings around feasts of holiday foods with all of the trimmings. Unfortunately this isn’t the case for the 200 or so seniors, disabled or otherwise homebound residents who rely on the hot meal delivered daily by Meals on Wheels; in many cases, it is the only meal eaten for the day.
This season, extend kindness in a special way and bring a smile to the hungry by volunteering to deliver meals over the holidays. For more information about volunteering your time, visit mealsonwheels.ky.
Stuff the Stockings
Benefiting both the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Cayman HospiceCare, the annual Cayman Watercolours Calendar is a great holiday gift for friends and family. Each purchase of the calendar equally aids the two local charities, which pledge their support of families in need as well as those suffering from end-stage diseases. Calendars are filled with watercolour paintings of Cayman, as well as recipes and information about popular local events and can be purchased online at caymanwatercolourscalendar.com.
‘Jingle All the Way’ to the Finish
Runners, walkers, prams and pups are all welcome at the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre’s annual Jingle Bell Run, 11 December. Proceeds from the race directly help the Crisis Centre to provide an emergency shelter and crisis hotline for women and their children experiencing domestic violence at home. Registration for the 5k and 10k race can be carried out online on caymanactive.com.
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Published: Skies Magazine, November 2016
