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Cayman: Three entities benefit from PoLA Christmas donations

#1 DCFS

With the challenges brought upon so many during the year 2020, the staff at the Portfolio of Legal Affairs made the extra effort to help brighten the spirits of the Cayman Islands community. For the past 3 years, Portfolio staff have donated to various organisations such as the Special Needs Foundation and the Golden Age Home.

This year, they did their Christmas charity drive a little differently by donating to three charities instead of one. The selected charities to benefit from this year’s donations were Acts of Random Kindness (ARK), the Department of Children and Family Services and the Humane Society.

#2 ARK

The staff presented ARK with various gift certificates that can be used towards relief care packages for children, families and individuals who continue to suffer from the severe economic hardship of COVID-19. ARK endeavours to be a friend to people in unique circumstances of crisis and demonstrate kindness through loving acts of service. “Thanks to Kendra Okonski who was on hand to accept the donations from PoLA staff,” Solicitor-General and PoLA head, Ms Reshma Sharma said.

The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is well known for its assistance across the Islands; so PoLA staff were happy to support the department’s efforts in providing for children and families within the local community, and hopefully to bring a bit of joy on Christmas Day. “Thanks to the Director of DCFS Mrs. Paulinda Mendoza-Williams for collecting the gifts from the Portfolio. Our staff really enjoyed searching for the perfect gifts on the wish list,” donation coordinator and PoLA Financial Administrator Ms Shemina McLaughlin commented.

PUPS

“And last but not least, the Portfolio was keen to contribute to the animals who have also been affected by the pandemic,” the Solicitor General said. “With the loss of jobs, many pet owners were forced to leave the Islands; others struggling financially were unable to bear the costs of caring for their pets. As a result, the demands upon the Humane Society to look after these animals increased without a corresponding increase in financial support.

“The Humane Society continues to do a wonderful job in getting the stray animals off the streets and from the Department of Agriculture and into forever homes. POLA staff contributed towards dog chow, cat litter and toys, among other things to ensure that the animals would not be left out during the holidays. We were fortunate enough to spend some quality time with two frolicking young pups who ended up taking us for a walk!” Ms Sharma noted.

“The Portfolio extends its sincere gratitude to these organisations for their invaluable services within the local community.”

“From the Staff at the Portfolio of Legal Affairs, Happy Holidays to all!”

Photo captions: Photos by Bina Mani, GIS and supplied

1.  DCFS donation: Left to right: Legislative Counsel Ms Kimberley Superville, Administrative Assistant (Legislative Drafting Department) Ms Cleta Boddington, Financial Administrator Ms Shemina McLaughlin, DCFS Director, Mrs. Paulinda Mendoza-Williams, Solicitor General and Chief Officer of PoLA Ms Reshma Sharma, Legislative Counsel Ms Dharlene Smith and Director of the Law Reform Commission Mr. Jose Griffith

2. ARK: L-r Legislative Counsel Ms Kimberley Superville, Administrative Assistant (Legislative Drafting Department) Ms Cleta Boddington, Financial Administrator Ms Shemina McLaughlin ARK representative Ms Kendra Okonski, Solicitor General and Chief Officer of PoLA Ms Reshma Sharma, Crown Counsel Ms Celia Middleton, Administrative Secretary Ms Tesia Scott, Legislative Counsel Ms Dharlene Smith and Director of the Law Reform Commission Mr. Jose Griffith

3. and 4. Two playful pups helped the Humane Society receive the PoLA Christmas donations from l-r the Solicitor-General and Chief Officer, Ms Reshma Sharma and Financial Administrator Ms Shemina McLaughlin

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