The 12th annual Jingle Bell Walk Run raised over US$50,000 for the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre. The Jingle Bell Walk Run is the Crisis Centre’s main fundraising event of the year and all of the proceeds go directly to fund the operations of Cayman’s sole emergency shelter for women.

More than 400 participants turned up early Sunday morning, 14 December, 2014 to enjoy the run in the cool Christmas breezes. After the run, breakfast on the beach was hosted at the Holiday Inn and Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand to give presents to all of the children and hand out some amazing prizes graciously donated by local businesses. Michelle Wouda, the event organizer, praised the efforts of the sponsors who made the annual event possible. “In addition to the monies raised, we also have so many who aid to make this event what it is, such as the volunteers who help with registration of the walk/run, which mainly come from the Ritz-Carlton’s “Footprints Program”, DMS Broadcasting and Cayman Active who help to promote the run and all of our prize sponsors.” Ms. Wouda also expressed her delight with the community involvement saying, “It was also great seeing the community rally around such an important cause, which not just raises much needed funds but also awareness for this critically important cause”. A special extension of gratitude goes to LIME, Maples and Greenlight RE for contributing as major sponsors for the event.

Sponsors for this year’s event include: Rawlinson & Hunter, Kobre & Kim, dms X107.1 and Kiss 106.1, Insurance Managers Association of Cayman and Walkers, DART, Cayman Airways, KPMG, Strategic Risk Solutions, The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, ICWI, Kane, Cayman National, The Security Centre, Zolfo Cooper, Kensington, Advantage, Krys Global, ITA Group and PKF, Conyers Dill & Pearman, Rotary Sunrise and the Water Authority.

Additional donations have been received from The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, Red Sail Sports, Fosters Food Fair, Agua, Abacus/Deckers/Karoo Group, Books & Books, Le Visage, Luca, Regal Theatres, Calypso Grill, Icoa, Book Nook, Eclipse Hair Design & Spa and Cayman Tennis Academy.

IMAGES: Cayman Islands Crisis Centre