Meals on Wheels Faces Fundraising Shortfall at Change for Change Donation Drive

The annual Meals on Wheels Change for Change Donation Drive took place on Friday, 31 January, and Saturday, 1 February, marking the first major fundraiser of 2025. The event mobilised over 300 volunteers across Grand Cayman to raise vital funds for seniors in need. Despite the efforts of the community, this year’s fundraiser fell short of its anticipated goal, raising $36,320.28, a significant drop from the $60,000 raised in 2024.

“While we had an incredible turnout of volunteers and unwavering support from the community, we recognise the economic challenges many are facing. Several individuals told us they were committed to donating again but were only able to give about 10% of what they had in previous years. We understand these financial constraints all too well, as fundraising is a daily challenge for us. Despite this, we remain steadfast in our mission to end senior hunger by providing daily hot meals to our vulnerable seniors across Grand Cayman,” said Jennifer L. West, CEO of Meals on Wheels.

Volunteers of all ages took part in the two-day drive, collecting donations at key locations across the island, including AA Rubis, A.L. Thompson’s, Book Nook, Butterfield, Camana Bay, Cayman National, Foster’s, Credit Union, Cost U Less, Hurley’s Marketplace, Kirk Home Centre, CIBC First Caribbean, Buy Smart, Jacques Scott, and Kirk Market. Meals on Wheels extends special thanks to its title sponsor, Davenport Development, for their continued support.

“We want to offer our heartfelt appreciation to our sponsor Davenport for their continued support over the years and to the many volunteers who gave their time to collect donations on our behalf – their dedication is invaluable. Many of the event volunteers are from outside of our core delivery team–their support allows our regular volunteers to continue with meal delivery while funds are being raised. We look forward to hosting our remaining fundraisers this year with the same level of community enthusiasm,” stated Ms. West.

Meals on Wheels will continue to seek monetary and food donations, along with volunteer support, to ensure no senior in Cayman goes hungry. The next major fundraising event, the highly anticipated Orange You Glad Gala, will take place on Saturday, 24 May, at the Marriott Beach Resort, with this year’s theme, “The Silk Road.”

For more information on how to support Meals on Wheels, volunteer, or donate, visit www.mealsonwheels.ky  or contact info@mealsonwheels.ky | 769-1974.