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.
On This Page
Cayman’s ARK - Acts of Random Kindness
Email: taranielson@arkcayman.com
www.arkcayman.com
Tel: (345) 323 0719
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.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cayman Islands
Tel: (345) 923 2471 or Tel: (345) 325-9661
Email: info@bbbs.ky
www.bbbs.ky
Big Brother Big Sisters of the Cayman Islands (BBBS Cayman) is part of an international youth mentoring programme which serves boys and girls ages 7-16 years old. Each child, known as a Little, is matched with an adult mentor, known as a Big brother or a Big sister. The Little and their Big meet regularly, with professional support provided by BBBS staff. Bigs act as a friend and role model for their Little, helping them to achieve their best potential. New members are always welcome.
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. They offer 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 which aims to help such patients get through treatments with advice and support. Volunteers help with fundraising, care giving, administrative support and spreading awareness.
Caring for Life Foundation
18 Forum Lane, 2nd Floor, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 925 9240
www.caringforlifecayman.com
The Caring for Life Foundation is a registered not-for-profit trust helping to improve the quality of healthcare in the Cayman Islands building a healthier and happier community for future generations to come. Founded on November 10th 2010, 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. Through these initiatives, the Foundation also strives to continually attract and retain quality physicians, technicians and healthcare professionals to the Cayman Islands building better healthcare for all.
Cayman AIDS Foundation
Tel: (345) 946 3029
Email: info@caf.ky
www.caf.ky
The Cayman AIDS Foundation is a community-based organisation which provides education on the danger of, helps prevent the spread of, and gives support and guidance to all people affected by HIV & AIDS and STIs.
CARE - Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts
Tel: (345) 938 CARE (2273)
Email: info@caymancare.ky
www.caymancare.ky
A charitable company whose goal is to assist in the education of ‘spay and neuter’ within the community, as the humane solution to address the overpopulation problem that sadly exists. Volunteers are always needed to assist with door-to-door campaigning, clinic transportation, fundraising and community dog washes. Donations are always welcome.
Cayman Heart Fund
Tel: (345) 916 6324
Email: info@caymanheartfund.com
www.caymanheartfund.ky
Cayman Heart Fund is a non-profit dedicated to improving cardiovascular health for all in the Cayman Islands. This includes educating the public on heart disease and stroke prevention, encouraging fitness and good nutrition, delivering programs that lower obesity rates, and influencing policy and investments to support healthy lifestyles. They support access to important high-quality cardiovascular care through various programmes and initiatives such as CPR training, funding lifesaving medical equipment including Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), and financially assisting those in need of lifesaving treatment. They offer free wellness screenings to the public regardless of their status or insurance coverage, including tests for blood pressure, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, cholesterol and glucose.
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)
Tel: (345) 949 7618
Email: info@cics.ky
www.cics.ky
CICS provides a variety of services, including a hospital equipment rental programme, counselling, art therapy and a free educational outreach programme. They offer a Charity Voucher Programme which provides patients who qualify with free pap smear tests and men with PSA blood tests (for prostate), mouth and throat cancer screening. Financial assistance is provided to qualified patients. CICS receives no Government funding and relies solely on donations and help from its community volunteers. Office hours are Monday-Friday 9am-4pm.
CI Crisis Centre Volunteer Programme
Tel: (345) 949 0366 ext.3
Email: volunteer@cicc.ky
Volunteers provide support for many of the programmes and services offered by the crisis centre such as our Emergency Shelter and TAYA programme, as well as support for fundraising, running errands and helping at the warehouse.
Cayman Islands Humane Society
153 North Sound Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 1461
Email: info@caymanislandshumanesociety.com
www.caymanislandshumanesociety.com
Volunteers are always needed to work in four areas: the bookstore, thrift shop, animal shelter or in fundraising. They operate an excellent second-hand book store (Book Loft) and thrift shop (Claws-It). Donations are always needed.
Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC)
34 Huldah Ave, Opposite the Cricket Pitch, GT
Office: Cayman Corporate Center, GT.
Tel: (345) 949 6785
Email: director@redcross.org.ky
www.redcross.org.ky
The four main programmes of the CIRC are: Disaster Management, First Aid & Aquatics, Child Protection, Sexual Education and the 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
CCMI 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 field.
Extended After School Programme (EASP)
John Gray (JGHS) Tel: (345) 925 9261
Clifton Hunter (CHHS) Tel: (345) 922 2448
Layman E. Scott LSHS Tel: (345) 922 2449
The Extended Afterschool Programme is conducted by the YMCA of the Cayman Islands. The programme takes place from 3pm-6pm daily during the academic year. Their mission is to help people reach their God-given potential by putting Christian principles into practice. Students take part in a variety of activities such as sports, homework and games, cadets, and even art 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
For many children in Cayman, a school meal is the only proper meal they will receive the entire day. Through their school meal programme Feed our Future seeks to find nutritionally-balanced school meals for children in need. The goal to help nourish at risk school-age children by providing regular and dependable access to healthy meals so that they can lead healthy and productive lives. Feed Our Future’s programmes also include a summer food programme and wellness and life skills workshops focused on healthy cooking and shopping on a budget.
Jasmine
31 Jasmine Blossom Way, West Bay Road (beside Coconut Joes)
Tel: (345) 945 7447
Email: info@jasmine.ky
www.jasmine.ky
Jasmine is the only non-profit organisation dedicated to providing free dignified medical and emotional compassionate care to anyone in the Cayman Islands with a life-limiting or end of life illness. Their team of healthcare professionals specialise in treating pain and managing symptoms. They liaise with the patient’s own doctor to enhance quality of life for the patient and their loved ones. They also offer a range of supportive services from art therapy, therapeutic massage, a lunch club, counselling and bereavement support. Jasmine costs more than CI$2,000 per day to operate and is 90% funded by fundraising events and donations.
Jubilate
Programme Location: Cayman Islands Baptist Church, 163 Pedro Castle Road, Savannah, Grand Cayman
Email: info@jubilate.ky
www.jubilate.ky
Tel: (345) 526 8484
Jubilate was founded in 2016 as a social outreach after-school programme with an emphasis on music; specifically, building an orchestra. Their vision is to make a positive social and spiritual change in the lives of children by inspiring them to become good citizens through disciplines learned at Jubilate. They seek to nurture, inspire and empower children in public schools with confidence and skill by encouraging personal excellence in academics and education in music. Jubilate boasts of having the most fantastic team of volunteers and they add a special dimension to the programme. They show up each week to help the Jubi Juniors with homework, reading, grammar and arithmetic. Most joined them in 2016, the year they opened their doors. They welcome additional volunteers to help with primary school level academics. No music ability necessary! If you are interested in volunteering with Jubilate, please contact them to discuss. In the interest of child safeguarding, all necessary background checks will be undertaken prior to starting.
LifeLine
Tel: (345) 547 8070
Email: info@lifeline.ky
www.lifeline.ky
LifeLine is a non-profit organisation founded in 2020 which focuses primarily on the creation and maintenance of a national database of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) that, with Government's support and partnership, will permit 911 operators to identify the closest AED in the case of a cardiac emergency and also automatically contact First Responders linked to a particular AED. LifeLine is always looking for volunteers to join their LifeForce programme which involves bi-annual visits to check on the AEDs, ensuring that the information on the database is still accurate. For further information on how LifeLine is working to improve the cardiac arrest survival rates in our community, please visit their website or find them on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Literacy is for Everyone (LIFE)
Tel: (345) 328 3120
Email: volunteer@life.org.ky
www.life.org.ky
Independent, not-for-profit organisation, Literacy Is For Everyone (LIFE), works alongside government, local schools, and educators to advocate for quality education for all, and to provide LIFE-changing resources and volunteer power to positively impact and significantly improve literacy levels. LIFE is the largest donor of books into the public school system with 50,000 books donated and counting. Their programmes include Paired Reading, where specially trained volunteers read with struggling readers; Partners in Print, which offers parents and caregivers tips and tricks to support literacy within the home; Education for Everyone, a collaborative initiative providing laptops to close the digital divide; and Thrive By Five, LIFE’s early childhood literacy programme, targeting the development of foundational literacy skills in the 0-5 age group. To donate or volunteer, email volunteer@life.org.ky. For further information on any of LIFE’s transformative programmes, call (345) 328 3120, visit www.life.org.ky, or find them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can also donate gently used or new books by emailing: books@life.org.ky. Volunteers are always needed to help with projects, fundraise, or to read with children.
Machine Learning Robotics by TechCayman
Tel: (345) 326 0148
Email: machinelearning@techcayman.com
The Machine Learning Robotics programme strives to expose youths 11+ to rudimentary mechanical engineering and programming fundamentals. They aspire to make these concepts both fun and accessible, potentially inspiring our young creators to continue onwards to further explore these fields, to which they may have previously had limited exposure. During their free weekend camps, once a month, each mentor is paired with two learners to build and programme robots to autonomously navigate increasingly complex puzzles. Mentors welcome, no experience necessary! Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road. See Machine Learning Robotics on Instagram.
Meals on Wheels
Tel: (345) 769 1974 or (345) 546 8886
Email: info@mealsonwheels.ky
www.mealsonwheels.ky
www.pledgeasenior.com
Meals on Wheels (MOW) provides daily, hot, nutritious meals & hearty soups to seniors, homebound and disabled persons throughout Grand Cayman. Meals are provided free of charge to the clients, and delivered to their homes, 52 weeks per year. Meals are prepared in 4 community kitchens and delivered to over 300 persons each day in all 5 districts. This service supplies them with the assistance needed to retain their independence in their own homes for as long as possible. They welcome all who wish to help support the cause by donating funds ($5 for one hot meal and hearty soup), donating time through volunteering to deliver meals or organising fundraisers and referring a senior you know is in need.
NCVO Children Services Programmes (National Children's Voluntary Organisation)
Tel: (345) 949 2124
Email: ncvo@ncvo.org.ky (Donations/Volunteer/Fundraisers/Events/Programmes Info)
Online donations to NCVO can be done year round at this website.
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/NCVOCaymanIslands
The NCVO is a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to the care, education and well–being of children and families in need of support. The NCVO runs several children’s programmes to support The Nadine Andreas Residential Foster Home, Jack and Jill Nursery, and Miss Nadine’s Preschool. The NCVO also runs a thrift store: "New to You, by NCVO" thrift store on Anthony Drive (GT), which accepts donations of gently used clothing and accessories, lightly used household items, children’s items, and some 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
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 the 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 & adult classes, 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 owns and protects more than 3,000 acres of nature reserves, as well as owning, leasing or managing various historic properties on the three Islands. They offer monthly activities that teach a great deal about the Cayman Islands.
One Dog at a Time (ODAAT)
Tel: (345) 917 8284
Email: info@ODAAT.ky
www.odaat.ky
A charity 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, house and feed them. ODAAT aim 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.
Pink Ladies Volunteer Corps (PLVC)
Tel: (345) 925 5021
Email: pinkladiescayman@gmail.com
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
The Prospect Red Bay Community Group meets on the first Monday of the month at 7pm in the Seafarer’s Hall on Victory Avenue, Prospect. All residents of Prospect and Red Bay are welcome to attend. There is always a lively discussion on what is happening in the community in regard to policing, garbage collection, litter, landscaping etc. They have a very active WhatsApp group which you can ask to join if you reside in the area. They also hold many neighbourhood events, including an annual Christmas Party that draws over 400 neighbours.
Volunteering to Support Prison Rehabilitation
Tel: (345) 640 3000
Volunteers assist in the provision of prison-based programmes and supporting the prisoners’ integration back into society.
YMCA of the Cayman Islands
Tel: (345) 926 9622
www.ymcacayman.ky
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, after-school activities, sports leagues and teen leadership programmes.
Resilience Cayman
Tel: (345) 333 1010
www.resilience.ky
Resilience Cayman was formed in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to address the immediate and long term issue of food insecurity for many of Cayman's residents. Their initiative now has four key programmes that seek to make the expansion of knowledge and exposure to opportunities possible. Each programme targets the acquisition of skills, the building of long-lasting relationships and connections in addition to offering support where it is needed. 1) Financial Support: they provide financial support to cover every day expenses such as food, utilities and rent to eligible individuals and families. 2) Financial Coaching: they provide budgeting tools and skills training for individuals and families experiencing economic hardship. 3) Youth Leadership: they connect employers and qualified interns, providing them with work experience and educational grants while helping local business growth. 4) Local Market: they are developing an online farmers' market to facilitate direct sales of local produce between farmers and residents.
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.
Read More