The Maples Group recently made a donation of US$49,373 on behalf of its clients to the Cayman Islands Red Cross (“CIRC”), following a general appeal by the organisation for essential funding.  In addition to a number of other charitable contributions, the CIRC donation is a continuation of the Group’s philanthropic efforts to support local organisations adversely impacted by COVID-19, with over US$225,000 already donated to COVID-19 related causes so far this year.

The CIRC is a volunteer-based humanitarian organisation that aims to protect human dignity by helping vulnerable people in crisis.  While it typically has four main community programmes – disaster management (preparedness and response), first-aid and aquatics training, child protection and sexuality education, and thrift shop community outreach – of these, only the first-aid training and thrift shop programmes are a consistent source of income. 

Unfortunately, these programmes were suspended for a number of months due to COVID-19 restrictions, resulting in a significant loss of operating funds.  In response, the CIRC launched a general appeal to enable them to continue offering their life-changing support to the community.  Money raised from this appeal will support the CIRC’s ongoing disaster preparedness, pandemic relief resources, the management of over 300 volunteers and many of their other valued initiatives.

2020 has been a demanding year for all charitable organisations, including the CIRC. In addition to their main community programmes, they have rolled out rapid response initiatives and provided essential aid for Cayman Islands residents affected by January’s earthquake, the George Town landfill fire and COVID-19.   As part of their COVID-19 response, CIRC deployed over 100 volunteers who manufactured and distributed free face masks to frontline workers and assisted the HSA with COVID-19 testing and isolation facility management.  They also started a mobile health and wellness unit that provided free physical and mental health checks to children across the island.

“The Cayman Islands Red Cross is very grateful for the Maples Group’s generous donation”, said Jondo Obi, Director of the CIRC.  “The humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross provide comfort and hope to so many during their times of need.  Thank you for your commitment to this critically important work.  Our mission depends on the support and compassion of donors like you.”

Reflecting on the Group’s most recent donation, Scott Somerville, CEO of the fiduciary, fund, regulatory and compliance, and entity formation and management services businesses of the Maples Group, said: 

“In what has been a particularly challenging year for Cayman Islands residents, the Maples Group recognises the enormous pressure placed on our local support network of humanitarian organisations and the impact this could have on future operations if left unchecked.  The invaluable services that organisations such as the CIRC offer by providing aid, shelter and assistance to vulnerable people deserve our respect and support wherever possible.  As such, we are happy to answer this appeal and hope that with our help the CIRC may continue their fantastic work and support of our community.”

About Maples Group

The Maples Group is a leading service provider offering clients a comprehensive range of legal services on the laws of the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Ireland, Jersey and Luxembourg and is an independent provider of fiduciary, fund services, regulatory and compliance, and entity formation and management services.  The Maples Group distinguishes itself with a client-focused approach, providing solutions tailored to their specific needs.  Its global network of lawyers and industry professionals are strategically located in the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East to ensure that clients gain immediate access to expert advice and bespoke support, within convenient time zones.  For more information, please visit: maples.com.