$104K for Meals on Wheels

The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce Leadership Cayman (LC) class of 2023 is proud to announce that they have raised CI$104,689.00 from their fundraising event ‘Wheels for Meals’.

Chamber President, Nelson Dilbert, along with alumni from Leadership Cayman’s Class of 2023 presented Meals on Wheels Manager, Jennifer West with a giant cheque outside the Chamber of Commerce office in Governor’s Square on Friday 28 July.

The fun-filled fundraiser took place at Vital Spinbar & Yogaden in Grand Harbour on Saturday June 24 and all proceeds raised will go directly to the Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels (MOW). 23 teams of up to five people participated in back-to-back spin and kids Zumba classes. The funds raised will make a huge impact on our Cayman community and will allow MOW to deliver over 10,000 meals and kickstarts MOW’s fundraising for its new premises in Industrial Park.

MOW provides free, hot, nutritious meals to older persons, those who are homebound and adults with disabilities throughout the Cayman Islands, Monday to Friday, 52 weeks of the year. The LC class of 2023 selected this organization for their annual community service project given the significant impact Meals on Wheels has within our community, and the urgent need for more funding and volunteers in this time of growing demand.

Candice Czeremuszkin, Chair of LC class of 2023 said, “I am extremely proud of what the class has achieved for Meals on Wheels and our community. This is such a shining example of what can be achieved when we come together for the greater good. The results are at the core of what Leadership Cayman hopes to achieve, in equipping each cohort with valuable knowledge of the Cayman Islands in hopes they will be catalysts for positive change within our Cayman community.”

Rotary Central Cayman Islands were platinum sponsors of the event. “We are extremely proud to be platinum sponsors for the Wheels for Meals fundraiser,” said Jennifer Leach-Tippetts, President of Rotary Central Cayman Islands. “Meals on Wheels plays a crucial role in supporting our community’s most vulnerable members, and it is an honor to contribute to their remarkable efforts. By sponsoring this event, we hope to inspire others to join us in supporting this vital charity and making a positive difference in the lives of those in need.”

“Our islands greatest treasure, our seniors rely heavily on Meals on Wheels each day and as we see the need for services increase, while we face the challenge of rising food costs, fundraising events like Wheels for Meals is exactly what we need to ensure that we are able to continue seeking to fulfil our mission to end senior hunger. The LC Class of 2023 have made a significant impact in the lives of our seniors and have etched history into Meals on Wheels with a new signature fundraiser that will now become an annual event” said Jennifer West, General Manager MOW.

Special thanks to Vital Cayman Spinbar & Yogaden, which hosted this event free of charge as a way of supporting the community that supports them. Vital recognizes the value of Meals on Wheels and its importance to the community at large. Vital’s commitment to charitable causes is an extension of their ethos of healthy and confident living for everyone in Cayman.

Other sponsors that contributed significantly to this cause and played an instrumental role in the success of event include gold sponsors DART, Kensington Management Group, the Maples Group and Walkers as well as silver sponsors Butterfield, Cayman National, Collas Crill, Conyers, FTI Consulting, Greenlight Re, Health City, KPMG, Ministry of Investment, Innovation & Social Development, Ministry of Financial Services, Ocorian, Ogier, Saxon, Waystone and Wheaton Precious Metals. 

Participants were also treated to goodie bags sponsored by Saxon Insurance, nutritious hummus bowls from Hurley’s and delicious pastries from Allora bakery. Children who participated in the Kids Zumba class were treated to snow cones courtesy of It’s Your Party.

The Cayman community came together to make this event successful and helped this year’s Leadership Cayman Class achieve double their goal!

About Leadership Cayman

Leadership Cayman is a dynamic, intensive, and interactive six-month programme introduced by the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce in 2009. The programme promotes and enhances community leadership through an in-depth introduction to social, economic, business, and political issues in the Cayman Islands. The class attends bi-weekly seminars, learning from experts and local leaders who serve as panelists at each session. Every year a new group of leaders is selected to be a part of this one-of-a-kind programme designed for participants to connect with each other and business and community leaders, grow their leadership skills and community knowledge, and inspire their industry, community and peers.

About the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce

The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce represents more than 600 businesses and associations across all industry sectors in the Cayman Islands. Its members employ over 18,000 persons or about 45-percent of the country’s labour force. The Chamber supports, promotes, and protects the interests of its members and the public’s welfare and serves as a catalyst for positive change, connecting community, business, and government.

About Meals on Wheels

Cayman Islands Meals on Wheels (MOW) provides free, hot, nutritious meals to seniors, the homebound and the disabled throughout the Cayman Islands, Monday to Friday, 52 weeks of the year. This service supplies them with the assistance needed to retain their self-worth and independence and the ability to remain in their homes. Isolation is a major issue for many seniors and the social contact provided by our more than 100 volunteers offers some relief for these individuals.

About Rotary Central Cayman Islands

Rotary Central is a leading community service organization committed to making a positive impact on society. With a focus on service above self, Rotary Central strives to address pressing community needs, foster goodwill, and promote ethical practices. Through various initiatives and partnerships, Rotary Central endeavors to create a better world for all.