Following on from their trek along the Pyrenees in 2019, veteran climbers and runners Derek Haines, 73, and 66-year-old Mike (Burco) Burcombe will be tackling the Grande Randonnée (GR) 20 trek, which crosses the Mediterranean island of Corsica, in June this year.

Their 2019 trek helped to raise over One Million U.S. dollars for Inclusion Cayman (then the Special Needs Foundation), and Derek and Mike, together with the support of the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman, will be raising funds this time for the non-profit after-school programme Jubilate.

Established in 2016, Jubilate teaches less advantaged children from the public schools in the Eastern districts’ various life skills through music. Jubilate seeks to nurture and empower children with confidence and skill by encouraging personal excellence in academics and education in music, and currently serves over 70 children, aged 8-15, from 8 public schools.

Jubilate was born out of a desire to ensure that all children, irrespective of their backgrounds, were offered opportunities to develop their talents, confidence and strong values. It is Jubilate Founder and Chairperson, Carole Kirkconnell’s, firm belief that the entire Cayman community will benefit from the well-rounded, driven, respectful and inspired Jubilate children as they grow up and contribute to society.

His Excellency the Governor, Martyn Roper O.B.E., is fully supportive, and again has agreed to be the Patron of the challenge. His Excellency and Mrs. Roper hosted a Reception at the Government House on the 23 March in support of the upcoming trek and Jubilate.

In his remarks on the evening, His Excellency dubbed Mr. Haines the “James Bond of philanthropic efforts in Cayman”, recognising his considerable contributions to charity work over the years, including running 6 marathons in 2014 to raise funds for Jasmine.

His Excellency commended Haines & Burcombe on their upcoming arduous trek – known as the most difficult long-distance trek in Europe – in support of an NPO he has come to know well in recent years.

Jubilate students were recognised on the evening as the future leaders of Cayman. Guests had the opportunity to observe some of these future leaders, as the Senior students of the Jubilate Orchestra, of Clifton Hunter High School, provided beautiful music throughout the evening. 

The 200km (125 mile) GR20 trail follows the granite backbone of mountains that divide the island of Corsica in two, many of which soar above 2000m (6500 feet) altitude. With its dramatic gorges and rocky hillsides, this legendary trail is popular with advanced hikers. The sun-drenched path crosses the entire island from north to south. The GR20 is billed as the best and toughest long-distance hike out there!

Derek said, “This is an exciting challenge that will push us to the limits, but I am sure that we are up to it. This represents another huge fund-raiser, but the generosity of the Cayman community has shone through year after year, and I am incredibly grateful for the continued support.” 

All travel costs and registration fees will be self-funded by Derek and Mike, and every dollar raised will go directly into supporting Jubilate with no administration or overhead costs. As with previous charity appeals, the Rotary Club will ‘ring fence’ the funds raised.

Mike said, “The pandemic stalled us from attempting this challenge for the last couple of years, but it has given us extra time to train. I am hoping that folks will show their support by donating to Jubilate.”

The Jubilate Board of Directors thanks Derek and Mike for identifying Jubilate as the benefiting charity of their upcoming Corsican Trek. The funds and awareness raised will help solidify Jubilate’s ongoing transition from a small after-school programme to a sustainable, well-governed non-profit organisation that can impact so many of Cayman’s youth in greatest need for years to come. 

Learn more about Jubilate and the 2022 Corsican Trek by visiting jubilate.ky. Donations to Derek & Mike’s trek can be made to the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman. Visit jubilate.ky/corsicantrek for details. 

The Rotary Club of Grand Cayman is the first service club in Grand Cayman and received its charter in January 1966. It has almost one hundred members and meets at the Grand Old House on Thursday lunchtimes.

END

Donations for Derek Haines & Mike Burcombe’s 2022 Corsican Trek, benefiting Jubilate, should be made to the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman.

Cheque Instructions 

Cheques can be mailed to the above P.O. Box or hand-delivered to a Rotary Club of Grand Cayman member or Jubilate representative.

Written to: Rotary Club Grand Cayman

Reference: Jubilate

Wire Transfer Instructions 

There are 3 different methods of transfer. Instructions on how to fill in the online payment details with your Bank for each method of transfer are as follows*: – 

1. Domestic Transfer KYD  

You need to complete your online Bank transfer fields with the following information:-

Beneficiary Name: Rotary Club Grand Cayman 1092071

Beneficiary Account Number: 069751092071

Bank: Royal Bank of Canada 

Reference:   Jubiliate

If your Bank asks for beneficiary address details, use the Club’s historic meeting address being:- 

The Westin

SMB

Grand Cayman

 If you are asked for more info on RBC you can add:  

RBC Main Branch 06975 “003”

2. Domestic Transfer USD

You need to complete your on line Bank transfer fields with the following information:-

Beneficiary Name: Rotary Club Grand Cayman 2628840

Beneficiary Account Number: 069752628840

Bank: Royal Bank of Canada

Reference:   Jubilate

If your Bank asks for beneficiary address details, use the Club’s historic meeting address being:-

The Westin

SMB

Grand Cayman 

If you are asked for more info on RBC you can add:  

RBC Main Branch 06975 “003” 

3. International (or Overseas) Wire Transfer USD 

Pay to: J.P. Morgan Chase, 1 Chase Manhattan Plaza, New York, NY 10081

ABA #: 021-000-021
SWIFT: CHASUS33

For Credit to : RBC Royal Bank (Cayman) Limited 

Account Number: 0011153103 

SWIFT:  ROYCKYKY 

For further Credit to: Rotary Club of Grand Cayman –
USD Account Number: 2628840

Reference:   Jubilate