The Department of Commerce and Investment (DCI), as part of its social responsibility, will volunteer at the Cayman Islands Red Cross.

On Monday, 30 May, DCI will be sending staff members to participate in the Red Cross’s Thrift Shop Community Outreach Programme from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. Participants will be handling multiple tasks at the shop, from unloading and sorting donations to helping display items for sale.

DCI Director Ryan Rajkumarsingh said that as May marks Red Cross month, it was a perfect time to launch the Department’s community service initiatives.

‘While DCI has a tremendous responsibility to regulate local commerce, we also recognise we can make an equally positive contribution to Cayman’s community spirit; by beginning to partner with various non-profit entities, such as the Red Cross. We hope to create a shared value on the importance of business and society’, he said.

The Red Cross works closely with a number of Government agencies to ensure those in need are provided with basic household items, from clothing to appliances. For example, clothing and shoes are provided to clients of the Needs Assessment Unit, prisoners at Her Majesty’s Prison Northward making court appearances, and migrants held at the Immigration Detention Centre.

The thrift shop programme, which has been around for nearly two decades, facilitates shop sales, which generate necessary funding for the Red Cross’ day-to-day operation and other programmes such as Disaster Management and HIV and AIDS Awareness Education.

Mr Rajkumarsingh added that DCI will continue its efforts to be a good corporate citizen by volunteering for non-profit entities similar to the Red Cross.