NCVO needs your help to raise CI$1.6 million

Providing direct and essential services for many vulnerable children and families in the Cayman Islands through their nursery, pre-school and foster home, the NCVO Children Services programme is in desperate need of finances to keep it going. So, this Saturday 30th May they are holding their 41st Telethon fundraiser, this time with a unique twist, as it will be their first ‘Home Edition’. The non-profit organisation has a goal of raising CI$1.6 million to help keep going its much-needed services.

Miriam Foster, the NCVO’s CEO outlined why this year’s telethon is especially crucial as a fundraising tool.

“We are not collecting school fees and our overtime at the home has doubled because the care workers live on site 24/7, leaving their families for 30 days at a time,” she explained. “We have taken a 200K loss and it looks to continue.”

The late Ms Olive Miller, OBE, who passed away recently, was the NCVO’s founder and former board member, an individual who spent much of her life advocating for children in Cayman. Ms Foster said she refused to have their founder pass and let the NCVO pass as well.

“The NCVO's 41st Telethon: HeARTs from Home Edition will be in loving memory of our founder and former board member, Ms Olive Miller, OBE. She was a passionate woman who deeply cared about the needs of the community, especially children. Since 1974, her drive shaped the NCVO's rich history of helping,” Ms Foster said.

How can you help?

The annual NCVO telethon usually takes place in October, but, due to the uncertainty of the financial climate, and the crucial work that the NCVO undertakes in helping vulnerable people in the community, the annual October telethon will take place on May 30th from 12pm-12am and will be a multimedia, cultural event showcasing local artists virtually.

The telethon will be simulcast on NCVO.ORG.KY, Cayman Life TV on Logic Channel 33, Radio Cayman, and Hurley's Media Radio Stations, as well as social media.

Ms Foster said that the live telethon was part of a pre-recorded 12-hour “party for your ears” in collaboration with OneWorld Entertainment, Cayman Life TV, and Juse Media, which will feature high-quality upbeat, musical content brought to listeners by celebrity hosts.

“There will be raffles, sponsor videos, artist highlights, and fundraising toward the NCVO's goal of CI$1.6 million for annual operating expenses,” she stated.

The live portion of the event will take place in a Zoom Room, a virtual “backstage” with hosts, games, and live updates of funds raised.

“During the telethon, everyone is encouraged to donate online by visiting NCVO.ORG.KY. Additionally, the community can participate in other events leading up to the event,” she explained.

These events including becoming a member of the NCVO’s ‘Nifty Neighbour’ Membership Programme by completing the $92 KYD for 92 Kids Challenge. People can also visit the virtual HeART Market and purchase art and experiences. There are some beautiful art pieces here just waiting to be snapped up, created by well-known local artists who have produced paintings, craft work, painted glassware and more, all ready for purchase online. People can also play ‘Bingo with a Beat’ and listen to local DJs and Share a Meal with the NCVO by ordering from a participating restaurant – go to the NCVO’s Facebook page for all the details.

Ms Foster concluded: “Help us fulfill Ms Olive's legacy and allow the NCVO to continue to be dedicated to the care, education, and well-being of children and families of the Cayman Islands. For more information visit NCVO.ORG.KY.”