In the Cayman Islands, we love to help each other and the community out. This section details the voluntary organisations in Cayman that you could become involved with.
Donating Second-Hand Itemskeyboard_arrow_right
Whilst Cayman's charities always value volunteers, they also appreciate donations. Donating your items to charity is a great way to repurpose unwanted items and aid the community. If you are looking to donate your second-hand or gently used items, check out our guide with all of the details.
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Voluntary Organisations
Breast Cancer Foundation
Unit 19 Grand Harbour, Shamrock Road, GT
Tel: (345) 923 1135 or (345) 936 1135 or (345) 938 1135
Email: info@bcfcayman.com
www.breastcancerfoundation.ky
Created to support breast cancer patients and their families, the organisation provides help for those suffering both emotionally and/or financially. It offers an awareness programme aiming to save lives through early detection by teaching you how to be proactive about your health and a wellness initiative programme that aims to help such patients get through treatments with advice and support. Volunteers help with fundraising, caregiving, administrative support and spreading awareness.
Caring for Life Foundation
Tel: (345) 925 9240
www.caringforlifecayman.com
The mission of the Caring for Life Foundation is to continually build better healthcare for all residents of the Cayman Islands by raising funds to help healthcare providers purchase needed medical and diagnostic equipment, provide medical training, support research and development, and assist with facility expansion. The Foundation also strives to continually attract and retain quality physicians, technicians and healthcare professionals to build better healthcare for all in Cayman.
Cayman AIDS Foundation
Tel: (345) 946 3029
Email: info@caf.ky
www.caf.ky
The Cayman AIDS Foundation is a community-based organisation that provides education on, and helps prevent the spread of, HIV. Gives support and guidance to all people affected by HIV, AIDS and STIs.
CARE - Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts
Tel: (345) 938 2273 (CARE)
Email: info@caymancare.ky
www.caymancare.ky
CARE is a registered charitable organization that promotes spaying and neutering as a humane solution to the pet overpopulation problem that currently exists in the community. They also offer affordable spay and neuter services to pet owners who do not have the means to support this procedure as a way to educate and promote animal health and prevent unwanted litters. A kids education program within the schools teaching animal welfare is also offered. Volunteers are always needed to assist with door-to-door campaigning, clinic transportation, fundraising and community dog washes. Donations are welcome.
Cayman’s ARK - Acts of Random Kindness
Email: info@arkcayman.com
www.arkcayman.com
Tel: (345) 936 7272
www.facebook.com/arkcayman
Cayman’s ARK is a registered non-profit, grassroots charitable foundation founded in 2006. ARK’s aim is to improve the standard of living for disadvantaged families in Cayman. Programmes include CASA, which renovates homes in deplorable condition; Feed Cayman, which provides families with food at home and school; Re-Connect, which keeps families connected to power, water and temporary housing; and MER (Mentor Educate Reinforce), an intensive academic remediation tutoring programme, focused on empowering students with learning difficulties from underprivileged homes. The Crisis Initiative provides immediate relief for uninsured families in a crisis due to a life-threatening or medical emergency or unexpected disaster.
Cayman Heart Foundation
Tel: (345) 916 6324 or (345) 746 1490
Email: info@caymanheartfund.com
Cayman Hope Foundation
Brent Hydes – Operations Manager
Tel: (345) 928 9099
www.caymanhopefoundation.carrd.co
Cayman is home to many people who suffer from addiction. The non-profit, non-governmental, non-denominational Hope For Today Foundation is a coalition of volunteers dedicated to helping and supporting recovering drug addicts and alcoholics through transition from prison or treatment to community life. Statistics have shown that ‘relapse” often occurs when an individual returns to the familiar environment where addiction had its origins. By establishing and operating alcohol and drug free transitional houses and campus within the community, the Hope Foundation programme provides a secure, safe and stable haven for individuals to gradually work their way back to a purposeful life. The Hope For Today Foundation endeavours to establish such a refuge through its Transitional Living Program. They use a three pronged approach to achieve this mission: 1) Provide a basic living area free of alcohol and drugs 2) Offer support that educates and enriches the client through a 12-step programme based lifestyle 3) Aid in the provision of life skills to facilitate independence and economic stability. To become involved with the Foundation, or to become a valued donor, please contact them! They cannot provide the vital services to individuals in need without your help.
Cayman Islands Cancer Society (CICS)
114 Maple Road (near Cayman Islands Hospital), George Town
Tel: (345) 949 7618
Email: info@cics.ky
www.cics.ky
The Cayman Islands Cancer Society helps cancer patients in a variety of ways, including counselling, peer support, various therapy groups, home medical equipment and financial support for those who qualify. Contact them via email to become a member or volunteer today! CICS relies on the time and skills of volunteers to help improve the lives of their clients and support cancer prevention efforts. Office hours are Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm and Friday 9am-12pm.
CI Crisis Centre Volunteer Programme
Tel: (345) 949 0366
Email: volunteer@cicc.ky
Volunteers provide support for many of the programmes and services offered by the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre: supporting the Emergency Shelter team, at-risk youth at the TAYA (teens and young adults) Lounge, answering the 24/7 crisis line, helping with fundraising and events, grocery shopping and assisting with receiving and distributing donations.
Cayman Islands Humane Society
153 North Sound Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 1461
Email: info@caymanislandshumanesociety.com
www.caymanhumane.org
The Cayman Islands Humane Society rescues, protects, and finds loving families for Cayman’s homeless cats and dogs. They welcome volunteers with a wide range of skills; from helping in the thrift store or second hand book store, to helping with the animals, offering the benefit of professional expertise and helping to raise much needed funds to continue their work. Volunteers can offer anything from an hour a week walking dogs or socialising cats, to several days a week if they have the time.
Cayman Islands Mangrove Rangers
Tel: (345) 926 8621
Email: info@mangroverangers.ky
www.mangroverangers.ky
The Mangrove Rangers are an organisation that focuses on the protection of Cayman's mangrove forests. They work in partnership with the Department of Environment to collect data on the human impact on these natural areas and strive to educate and empower the community to understand the true value of these incredible ecosystems. Donations are welcome.
Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC)
34 Huldah Ave, Opposite the Cricket Pitch, George Town
Office: Cayman Corporate Center, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 6785
Email: director@redcross.org.ky
www.redcross.org.ky
The four main programmes of the Cayman Islands Red Cross are: disaster management, First Aid and aquatics, child protection and sexual education and Community Outreach. They also have a thrift shop (See the Shopping Chapter for more information). The CIRC works directly to empower communities through the training of community emergency response teams. The headquarters location also serves as a hurricane shelter and is usually the first to open when there is a threat to Grand Cayman.
Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI)
North Coast Road, Little Cayman
Tel: (345) 948 1094
Email: info@reefresearch.org
www.reefresearch.org
The Central Caribbean Marine Institute was founded in 1998 to protect the future of coral reefs through research, conservation and education. CCMI researchers have provided 20 years of baseline data on both coral reefs and fish, published over 100 scientific papers and supported 18 MS and PhD researchers to become leaders in their fields. To date, they have planted 45sq metres of coral out to the wild and offered 1,500+ local scholarships to Cayman's youth.
Connect by Nova
Tel: (345) 623 1041
Email: connect@nova.ky
www.connect.nova.ky
A not-for-profit initiative founded by Nova Recruitment, Connect by Nova is committed to supporting the Cayman community to achieve career success through free and guided access to career advice, education and training. Their services are tailored to support individuals looking for work, returning to work, pursuing further education and recent graduates preparing to enter the workforce. They are always looking for volunteers.
Extended After School Programme (EASP)
Grand Cayman: (345) 922 2432 or Cayman Brac: (345) 922 2449
Email: easp@ymcacayman.ky
www.ymcacayman.ky/easp
The Extended Afterschool Programme is conducted by the YMCA of the Cayman Islands. The programme takes place at government schools from 3pm-6pm daily during the academic year. Its mission is to help people reach their God-given potential by putting Christian principles into practice. Students take part in a variety of character-building activities such as sports, homework, arts and crafts and digital media. For more information, visit www.ymcacayman.ky/easp or contact one of the school representatives above.
Feed Our Future
Tel: (345) 916 0923
Email: info@feedourfuturecayman.org
www.feedourfuturecayman.org
Feed Our Future supports children and families in need through access to nutritionally-balanced school meals or supplemental food. The primary goal is to help nourish at-risk school-age children so they can lead healthy and productive lives.
Girl Guides Association
Email: ggcimarketing@gmail.com
www.girlguiding.ky
The Association is always looking for volunteers who are willing to make a difference in the lives of girls in our community. You can choose the volunteer role that matches your skills and time. They have opportunities for Unit Leaders, in the Events and Fundraising team and supporting the Executive Committee.
Jasmine Palliative & Hospice Care
31 Jasmine Blossom Way, West Bay Road (beside Coconut Joes)
Tel: (345) 945 7447
Email: info@jasmine.ky
www.jasmine.ky
Jasmine provides dignified medical and emotional support to anyone in the Cayman Islands struggling with a serious illness, regardless of age or stage of illness. Their invaluable services address a range of conditions, including dementia, heart disease, and neurological diseases, and can be received alongside ongoing treatments. Jasmine's team of healthcare professionals specialises in symptom management, emotional support, and advocating for each patient’s unique needs and preferences. They work closely with the patient’s doctor to enhance quality of life and support the patient’s loved ones. Additionally, they offer various complementary therapies, community programmes, and bereavement support. Remarkably, Jasmine is over 90% funded by the generosity of the Cayman community, and all their support is provided free of charge to the patient.
Literacy is for Everyone (LIFE)
Tel: (345) 328 3120
Email: volunteer@life.org.ky
www.life.org.ky
Registered non-profit, Literacy is for Everyone (LIFE) is dedicated to raising literacy levels in Cayman and ensuring access to quality education for all. It is the largest donor of books to the public school system and homes, with over 80,000 books donated and counting. LIFE offers a range of literacy intervention programmes, like its signature paired reading programme matching volunteers with students who would most benefit from this extra support, and educational family engagement workshops. Its early childhood programme, Thrive By Five, promotes the development of foundational literacy skills. To help support LIFE, you can donate new or gently used children’s books by emailing: books@life.org.ky, or you can become a LIFE volunteer by emailing: volunteer@life.org.ky.
Machine Learning Robotics by TechCayman
Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 326 0148
Email: machinelearning@techcayman.com
The Machine Learning Robotics programme strives to expose youths aged 11+ to rudimentary mechanical engineering and programming fundamentals. It aspires to make these concepts both fun and accessible, potentially inspiring young creators to continue onwards to further explore these fields to which they may have previously had limited exposure. During its free monthly weekend camps, each mentor is paired with two learners to build and programme robots to autonomously navigate increasingly complex puzzles. Mentors welcome, no experience necessary. See their Instagram (@Machine Learning Robotics).
Meals on Wheels (MOW)
Tel: (345) 769 1974
Email: info@mealsonwheels.ky
www.mealsonwheels.ky
www.pledgeasenior.com
MOW delivers hot, nutritious meals, hearty soups, and warm smiles to seniors, the homebound, and disabled individuals across Grand Cayman. Their service, which operates 52 weeks a year, ensures that up to 350 clients receive their daily meals at no cost to them, delivered directly to their homes. This invaluable support enables clients to maintain their independence and quality of life within the comfort of their own homes. By offering this essential service, MOW not only provides nourishment but also delivers a lifeline of support and a sense of community to those who need it most.
NCVO Children's Services
Tel: (345) 949 2124
Email: ceo@ncvo.org.ky (Donations/Volunteer/Fundraisers/Events/Programmes Info) or admin@ncvo.org.ky
Online donations to NCVO can be done year round at this website.
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/NCVOCaymanIslands
NCVO Children's Services is a registered nonprofit organisation dedicated to the care, education and wellbeing of children and families in need of support. The NCVO runs two programmes - Miss Nadine's Preschool and Nursery and the Nadine Andreas Residential Foster Home. The NCVO also runs a thrift store located on Anthony Drive (GT), which accepts donations of clothing, household items, children’s items and furniture.
National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI)
Esterley Tibbetts Highway, near Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 945 8111
Email: info@nationalgallery.org.ky
www.nationalgallery.org.ky
The NGCI hosts a variety of exhibitions annually featuring local and international artists’ work, as well as numerous community exhibitions. The main facility is a 9,000sq ft space with three exhibition galleries, plus an art library, lecture theatre, walking labyrinth, sculpture gardens, cafe and gift shop. The Gallery also houses a permanent art collection which traces the Island’s art history through the work of over 100 artists. The NGCI runs a series of outreach programmes, children and adult classes and special events for members and fundraising projects. Volunteers and members are welcome.
National Trust of the Cayman Islands
558A South Church Street (Dart Family Park)
Tel: (345) 749 1121
Email: membership@nationaltrust.org.ky
www.nationaltrust.org.ky
The National Trust for the Cayman Islands is a non-profit organisation that preserves Cayman’s unique natural and historic heritage. They protect key natural areas and important historic sites across all three islands, which are set aside in perpetuity for current and future generations.
One Dog at a Time (ODAAT)
Tel: (345) 917 8284
Email: onedogatatimeky@gmail.com or info@ODAAT.ky
www.odaat.ky
ODAAT is a charity that was created to rescue and rehouse dogs and puppies. They raise funds for dogs they pull from the pound, where they are likely to be euthanised, provide the required treatments and house and feed them. ODAAT aims to find permanent homes for dogs and, when necessary, pay for them to be flown to rescue partners in Miami, Tampa and Toronto. They welcome volunteers, donations and sponsorship for individual dogs.
One2One Cayman (formerly Big Brothers Big Sisters)
Tel: (345) 326 9661
Email: info@one2one.ky
www.one2one.ky
One2One is a mentoring organisation with several programmes that serve children, youth and young adults from 6 to 25 years old. Programmes are based on a child or youth (6-16 years) having an adult mentor with whom they meet regularly. Mentors help their mentees see and realise their potential while also organising fun activities. Other programmes include the Young Parent Mentoring Programme, which is a partnership with the Family Resource Centre providing mentors for their teen mothers ages 13-25 years old. Mentoring Circles for Boys focuses on males 16-25 years old. One2One Cayman always welcomes adults over 18 interested in becoming mentors, as well as referrals from parents for boys and girls to join their programmes.
Pink Ladies Volunteer Corps (PLVC)
Tel: (345) 925 5021
Email: pinkladiescayman@gmail.com
Facebook: @PinkLadiesCayman
The PLVC has been supporting the youth and elderly for over 40 years. It is a service organisation whose members volunteer in various roles within the community. Their craft group meets on Tuesday mornings at the South Sound Dart Park. Their major fundraising event, the Christmas Bazaar, traditionally opens the holiday season and features a delicious tea, market stalls, crafts, plant sales, entertainment and children’s activities. Funds raised by the PLVC benefit community projects. There are many ways to be involved with the PLVC.
Prospect Red Bay Community Group
Email: PRBC345@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/PRBC345
This registered NPO is dedicated to improving the Prospect and Red Bay communities. They maintain an active WhatsApp group for residents in these areas to help address community issues. Additionally, the Executive Board members constitute the Certified Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.), which collaborates closely with the Cayman Islands Hazard Management during emergencies.
Sustainable Cayman
Email: info@sustainablecayman.org
www.sustainablecayman.org
Sustainable Cayman is a registered non-profit organization (NPO-612) committed to environmental sustainability and conservation in the Cayman Islands. Their diverse team is dedicated to protecting nature, turning their convictions into action. Collaborating with local NGOs and international partners like RSPB UK and OnePlanet, they work to create healthy communities and a thriving natural environment. Get involved by volunteering or donating to support their cause.
Volunteering to Support Prison Rehabilitation
Tel: (345) 640 3000
Volunteers assist in the provision of prison-based programmes and support the prisoners’ integration back into society.
YMCA of the Cayman Islands
Tel: (345) 926 9622
www.ymcacayman.ky
The YMCA is a charitable, cause-driven, non-profit organisation that aims to help people reach their God-given potential by putting Christian principles into practice in ways that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. With a focus on character development and value building, the YMCA is developing the potential of youth across the Cayman Islands through day camps, afterschool activities, sports leagues and teen leadership programmes.