George Town, Grand Cayman–31 March 2020: Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited (“Butterfield”) announced that they will be donating $15,000 to each of the Kiwanis Club of Grand Cayman and Meals on Wheels as they continue to provide meals for children, elderly and vulnerable persons in the community during the COVID-19 health crisis. 

The combined donation of $30,000 will assist the Kiwanis Club of Grand Cayman with their Homeschool Lunch Programme and Meals on Wheels with their Pledge to Feed a Senior Programme. Both organisations have seen an increase need since the government has put in place protective measures for the residents of the Cayman Islands to combat COVID-19, which, while necessary and prudent, have strained finances and for some households and seen other community programmes suspended.

Meals on Wheels currently provide over 300 hot meals and soups per day to persons in need. The meals are provided across all five districts of Grand Cayman and delivered directly to the individuals homes. Meals are provided five days a week through-out the year, except for public holidays.

Jennifer West, General Manager of Meals on Wheels said “Your support will not only help us feed our seniors but anyone else in the community that is currently in need. We have seen quite a spike in request for meals given the current circumstances. The meals we give are not only providing essential nutrients but they are helping to bring hope, comfort and strength. I would like to express our gratitude for this outstanding donation from Butterfield especially during these uncertain times.”

The Homeschool Lunch Programme is a partnership with Kiwanis Club of Grand Cayman, the Department of Education and Feed Our Future. This programme currently provides 400 hot nutritious meals to students throughout the 13 government schools, (both primary and secondary schools and across two islands). Students being assisted through this programme receive one hot meal per day from their respective canteen. The meal is delivered directly to the student’s home while keeping the social distancing measures in place.

Kadi Pentney, of Kiwanis Club of Grand Cayman states, “We’re living in unprecedented times right now, with disruptions to our lives and families. The power of community is now more important than ever, and we are incredibly grateful to Butterfield for their generous support of the Homeschool Lunch Programme. Butterfield’s support will provide direct relief to the Cayman’s vulnerable youth during this difficult time.”

Michael McWatt, Butterfield’s Managing Director – Cayman, expressed “Working with the Kiwanis Club of Grand Cayman and Meals on Wheels is quite crucial during a health crisis such as COVID-19. Both organisations provide services to those that are unable to assist themselves. As the community has supported Butterfield for over 50 years, we have to ensure that we continue to support the community, especially those in need. We have recently lowered interest rates on personal loans, mortgages and commercial loans; we have also introduced an automatic payment deferral programme on residential mortgages, personal loans and credit cards. This was introduced to assist customers who may be facing lower incomes or cash inflow at this time.”