Charity sale raises hundreds

By Lindsey Turnbull

A charity sale that took place last Sunday at the George Town Yacht Club attracted a good number of keen shoppers on the search for a bargain while at the same time raising just less than CI$800 for the Literacy Is For Everyone charity (LIFE).

Event goers were requested to pay just CI$5 to attend the event and sellers paid CI$30 per spot for a table and space to sell their clothing, shoes, housewares and lots more. The charity received all the CI$5 entrance fees and half of the CI$30 stall holder fee (the remainder paying for the rental of the space at the George Town Yacht Club). Stall holders were free to keep any money they made from the sale or donate to the charity.

Organiser Kathryn Tarr said she was delighted to take on reestablishing the popular Shop for a Cause monthly sale. 

“After my good friend Cindy had to step back from organising the Shop for a Cause event last year due to a busy schedule, I offered to take on the responsibility and am thrilled to say that it was a huge success!” Kathryn advised.

Working closely with 20 different sellers, they managed to create a strong turnout for the event, she confirmed.

“The morning was well-organised, and we had more than 100 enthusiastic shoppers in attendance. It was heartwarming to hear positive feedback from everyone, with many leaving the event with fantastic bargains.”

Kathryn said she had to give credit to the staff at the George Town Yacht Club who were incredibly helpful and lovely to work with. Their support played a significant role in the event’s success, she stated.

“One of the highlights of the experience was the opportunity to meet the inspiring ladies from LIFE charity. Learning about the amazing work they do to support adults and children across the Cayman Islands, especially those facing challenges with reading and English, deeply resonated with me,” Kathryn explained. “As someone who personally struggled with dyslexia during my school years, I understand the importance of their cause.”

At the event, LIFE Executive Director Erica Dell’Oglio and LIFE Programmes Manager Tracy Galvin were both able to chat with people about the great work the organisation does.

Erica said LIFE was sincerely grateful to have been the recipient of the Shop for a Cause event. 

“These funds go a long way in supporting our work in the community and our mission to raise literacy levels, starting with the very youngest of learners,” she detailed. “Apart from receiving the money - which will directly support LIFE’s programmes, including donating books to schools and homes - we valued the opportunity to be seen by a range of people who may otherwise have remained unaware of what we do. The chance to speak about LIFE as an NPO, the community needs we support, and the other dedicated individuals and entities who partner with us to address the literacy challenges was a huge bonus.”

Kathryn said she was thrilled to announce that she has already inquired about a date at the end of April for the next sale, and will be making an official announcement soon.

“I sincerely hope that all of you can make it to the upcoming event and join us in supporting our next local worthy cause,” she confirmed.