Maples Group Donations Support Mentoring, Shelter and Crisis Services

The Maples Group is pleased to announce its recent contribution of over US$147,000 on behalf of its clients to a variety of non-profit organisations that provide mentoring to school-age children and assistance to children, families and individuals fleeing abuse or neglect. The organisations that received funds were Big Brothers Big Sisters ("BBBS") of the Cayman Islands, the Children and Youth Services ("CAYS") Foundation and the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre.

BBBS offers community-based and in-school mentoring opportunities for children, with mentors serving as role models for staying in school, giving back, and having respect for family, peers and the community. The Maples Group contributed US$61,975 towards BBBS funding costs which will support the organisation in screening, training and matching 60 new volunteers, sustaining 20 existing matches, assisting with costs for monthly group events for "Bigs" and "Littles" and enabling BBBS to host four parent and family workshops.

"On behalf of the current and future Bigs and Littles and the BBBS board and staff, thank you for this generous donation," said Pilar Bush, Chairperson of BBBS, Cayman Islands. "This will allow us to transform operations and serve more children, and we are grateful for your continued support and confidence."

The Group also made a separate contribution of US$27,813 to the CAYS Foundation. The Foundation is another non-profit operation dedicated to supporting young people and their families who are experiencing difficulties achieving their full human potential. The CAYS Foundation manages the Frances Bodden Children's Home and Bonaventure Boys' Home, which provide accommodations for children needing care or protection because of abuse or neglect. The homes offer therapeutic services and educational and vocational programmes that aim to improve social and life skills. The Group's donation will go towards refurbishing bathrooms, replacing the group therapy room furniture, new mattresses for the children as well as a full service power generator for the buildings.

"This donation goes a long way in realising these projects and we thank you for consistently being there for our children," said Denise Williams Watson, Manager of the Francis Bodden Children's Home.

Lastly, the Maples Group donated US$58,000 to the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre. Since 2003, the Crisis Centre has been helping at-risk women and their children create new, violence-free lives for themselves. They provide not only a secure, emergency shelter for women and children escaping from domestic abuse but also supplementary support services for anyone experiencing domestic violence, including a 24-hour crisis phone line (943 2422), a kids helpline (649 5437), a safe space walk-in centre, crisis counselling, community outreach and youth programmes, plus many other helpful initiatives. The Group's donation will cover rent for the walk-in centres and help to pay for shelter utilities, groceries, repairs and maintenance.

"Last year was very challenging for us as we were not able to organise any major fundraisers due to COVID-19. The Maples Group has supported us in the past and once again, they have helped us immensely during these trying times. We are very grateful for this generous contribution," said Ania Milanowska, Executive Director of the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre.

Scott Somerville, CEO of MaplesFS, part of the Maples Group, added:

"We stand in solidarity with those who are fighting or have fought domestic hardship and recognise that it can take a vast amount of support and courage to transcend these circumstances. We are proud to contribute to these local organisations that provide such essential resources and support. We wish to thank Big Brothers Big Sisters Cayman, the CAYS Foundation and the Crisis Centre for all that they do to protect and inspire those in our community."