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As the holidays draw closer, we begin the usual Christmas prep of writing lists and picking out presents for family and friends. But December is also a great time to look outward and give back to our local Cayman communities. It is important to teach children the importance of helping others - especially at Christmas - so make sure you enlist the kids to help out.
Giving is at the heart of the holidays, and there are so many ways to be “Caymankind”. From picking up non-perishables for families in need to donating funds to our favourite charities, we can help ensure that everyone goes into the New Year with their best foot forward.
Below, we’ve listed some organisations in Cayman that are accepting donations over the holidays. Take a look and consider lending a helping hand to your community this Christmas season.
Camana Bay
Camana Bay is hosting its annnual “Christmas Give”, which offers a number of ways to help support local families. Drop off canned or other non-perishable goods at the Camana Bay Visitor Centre or participate in the 2025 Santa Run. The three-mile run on Saturday 13th December 2025 and is in support of the Cayman Food Bank. The registration fee is CI$25 per person with proceeds going to the Cayman Food Bank.
Cayman's ARK
Bring a bit of Christmas cheer to someone in need by donating to Cayman’s ARK. ARK has long helped individuals and families in Cayman who are in difficult situations and for the third year running, ARK is asking for donation to support single mums, those incredible women who are often giving everything they have and more.
They are hosting their annual “Christmas Giveback” and are asking people to donate gift certificates from their choice of store or family-friendly restaurant in Cayman or gift basket gifts. Gift ideas for Mum include beauty products, chocolates and candles and for children; bath products, Christmas cookies and teddies. Gift certificates from Foster’s Supermarket, Cost-U-Less, J Michael, Camana Bay and Book Nook are ideal.
You can drop vouchers off at the Acorn Media office, located in Alissta Towers on North Sound Road, and they will be passed directly to ARK. The Acorn Media office is open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. The deadline is Monday 16th December 2024 to ensure ARK has enough time to distribute the gift certificates and so families may purchase what they need beforehand. You can also make a donation on ARK's website if you are short on time.
Cayman Crisis Centre
The Cayman Islands Crisis Centre (CICC) the country’s only emergency shelter for female victims of domestic violence and their children. Help support the vital work of the CICC this Christmas by donating some items from their Christmas Wish List. Donations can be dropped off at their warehouse every Wednesday. Stay tuned for more information.
Take part in the annual Jingle Bell Walk and Run in aid of the Crisis Centre. This cherished annual event unites the community for a 5K or 10K walk/run, raising vital funds and awareness for survivors of domestic abuse across the Cayman Islands. Everyone can participate and the event features breakfast, raffle prizes, and awards for the best festive costumes. Register today!
Cayman Islands Humane Society
Help save lives this Christmas by donating to the Cayman Islands Humane Society. Your gift can help provide a better life for many of Cayman’s homeless cats and dogs and this is an exciting time for the Humane Society as they break ground on their new facility in West Bay and will be in need of extra donations. There are many ways to help - adopt or foster an animal, donate online or attend a fundraising event. Why not purchase some of your Christmas gifts from their Thrift Shop or Book Loft. Proceeds will help support their mission to rescue, care and find homes for Cayman’s animals in need.
Cayman Rugby
Cayman Rugby is once again working with ARK to support single mothers in the community. All donations of gift cards, certificates or gift baskets can be dropped off at the South Sound Rugby Clubhouse by Saturday 6th December 2025.
Jasmine
Support those in our community living with life-limiting illnesses by support Jasmine, Cayman's only free to access hospice and palliative care service. They will be holding their annual Light Up a Life ceremony to remember loved ones. This beautiful ceremony will be held in Camana Bay on 25th November 2025 at 5.30pm and participants can remember loved ones by placing stars on the Christmas trees.
Kiwanis Club of Grand Cayman
Kiwanis is a global organisation of volunteers who are dedicated to changing the world, one child at a time. In Cayman, Kiwanis put on many events during the course of each year, each helping to support Cayman’s youth. During the Winter season, this includes Santa’s Landing, an annual family fun day where every child receives a free gift. If you are willing to help with this year’s Santa’s Landing project, contact info@kiwanis.ky to offer your time.
Literacy is for Everyone
Literacy is for Everyone (LIFE) is a charitable organisation focused on improving literacy levels across the Cayman Islands. They depend on enthusiastic volunteers to help with their reading initiatives. Whether you want to come in once in a while to help sort books or would like to get involved in their weekly Paired Reading Programme, there are many ways to give your time. You can also donate money or books towards their literacy intervention programmes.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels provides free, nutritious meals to seniors, the homebound and people with disabilities in Cayman. Volunteer with them this Christmas, or consider attending “Christmas at the Castle” (2025 date TBC) This event, held at Pedro St. James, will donate part of their raffle proceeds to Meals on Wheels. Enjoy a visit from Santa, carol singing and a variety of food and drinks while helping support the important work of MOW. Take part in the annual Turkey Trot, which this year is happening remotely (so you can complete your 1 mile or 5km walk/run/waddle at your leisure!). Registration is open and all proceeds benefit seniors in our community.
National Children's Voluntary Organisation
The National Children’s Voluntary Organisation (NCVO) has served more than 3,000 low-income families in Cayman since its inception in 1974. They run the Nadine Andreas Residential Foster Home which caters to ten children from ages eight to 17. They also operate Miss Nadine’s Preschool and the Jack & Jill Nursery, as well as the NCVO Community Pantry which supports families in need with non-perishables and toiletries. If you are able to donate, then vouchers, and specifically grocery vouchers and toy shop/Camana Bay vouchers, are gratefully received as they allow parents to purchase the gifts that children have requested, whilst still being able to buy the basics, like food and nappies, etc. You can visit www.ncvo.org.ky and make a financial donation or email admin@ncvo.org.ky and arrange to drop off a new gift or gift certificate labelling what age it would be ideal for.
One Dog at a Time (ODAAT) is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to rescuing and caring for stray dogs and puppies in need, especially those at risk of euthanasia at the DOA pound in Grand Cayman. This holiday season, you can bring joy to these dogs by helping fulfil their Christmas wish lists. If you’d like to participate, simply email onedogatatimeky@gmail.com, and they will assign you a dog and share its personalised wish list. You can drop off your gifts at the ODAAT Thrift Shop or bring them to the festive Scoobyluminations event on December 11th to place them under the Christmas tree.
YMCA Cayman
Right now is the perfect time to donate to the YMCA. Donations will help them continue to develop new programmes for Cayman’s youth, families and seniors. Their 2025 Annual Giving Campaign accepts donations from CI$25 and up, and those who give CI$3,000 or more are invited to the Chairman’s Roundtable, a celebration dinner with YMCA Board Chairman Michael Meghoo.
