Camana Bay partners with local charities making a difference in the Cayman community

Camana Bay is putting community at the heart of its celebrations this holiday season with various activations to ensure that charity blossoms in the Town Centre to benefit various non-profit organisations that help people across the Cayman Islands.

For the fifth consecutive year, the Cayman Food Bank has been identified as the beneficiary of the Camana Bay Christmas Give. Canned goods, or non-perishable food items and monetary donations are being encouraged to help bring some holiday cheer to the most vulnerable in the community.

The Cayman Food Bank is a core hunger-relief organisation that works with a network of partners to provide a number of programmes including their central food bank, along with wellness and sustainability education.

Dart senior manager, marketing and brand strategy with responsibility for Camana Bay, Christy Whittaker said, “Camana Bay is one of the most beloved locations on the island for locals and visitors alike and it is important that we showcase that our community is important to us. Donations like these can go a long way in making the difference in people’s lives, so I encourage our community to help brighten the season for those who need it the most.”

Whittaker said donations can be made by purchasing and dropping off canned or non-perishable goods at the Camana Bay Visitor Centre on Market Street. Members of the public can also support the initiative at the Santa Run 5K on Saturday, 7 December or by employees of business entities in the Town Centre participating in the Festive Dress Down Day on Friday, 13 December. Proceeds raised at both of those events benefit the Cayman Food Bank.

“We are very thankful for the continued partnership with Camana Bay and the wider Camana Bay community. The awareness and donations raised during the holiday season are critical to our operations. With the rising need in our community, every donation makes a difference,” said Marie Eden, director, Cayman Food Bank.

Eden continues, “The Santa Run is the most enjoyable festive fundraiser on our calendar and we love seeing the Camana Bay community support each year at the dress down event, both of which we could not do without the amazing Camana Bay team!”

The Camana Bay Holiday Market on Saturday, 23 November, included a Cosy Corner this year, where families could donate to charity in exchange for a sweet treat. The public was invited to vote for the charity they believed should receive the funds. Meals On Wheels got the most votes and received the donated funds. The money raised will directly support Meals On Wheels’ mission of combating senior hunger and isolation, ensuring that vulnerable members of the community continue to receive the care and connection they need.

“It takes just CI$7 a day to feed a senior in our community, so every contribution makes a significant impact. Seniors in our community not only benefit from a hot meal and a soup for the day from Meals On Wheels, but also from the connections and visits from the volunteers that deliver their hot meals to them. Together, we can deliver and make a difference,” said Jennifer West, chief executive of Meals On Wheels.

During breast cancer awareness month in October, the Camana Bay Visitor Centre sold breast cancer pink gift cards and donated 10% of the total proceeds to the Breast Cancer Foundation. Shoppers’ Night Out rounded off the month of October with an additional partnership with the Cayman Islands Cancer Society where additional funds were raised for that charity.

“Most of us know someone whose life has been impacted by breast cancer or cancer in general in some way, so we are pleased to raise money year after year to support services they offer to the community free of charge,” Whittaker added.

“To have been selected as the charity for the Shoppers’ Night Out event was really worthwhile. Not only did we raise money, but we also had several people stop by the booth to learn about our services,” said Elna Bush, events and financial aid coordinator of the Cayman Islands Cancer Society.

“This is a part of the ultimate goal for us, to spread awareness of our services that we have available to not just those in the community battling cancer but the support that is available to their families as well,” Bush added.