Since the early 1980s, Pink Ladies having been raising funds and volunteering for the NCVO, Pines Retirement Home, Health Services Authority, Lighthouse School, Special Olympics and other community projects.

One of the most looked forward to events to start the festive season off will be the Pink Ladies Volunteer Corps Cayman Islands Christmas Bazaar and Tea next Saturday afternoon, 30th November 2-5pm at the Arts and Recreation Centre Camana Bay.

And I have it on good authority that Santa Claus will be making an appearance so you had better bring all your children. He will sit for photographs.

Last year’s Christmas bazaar made a record by raising $40,000 in one day through a combination of sales and generous private donations.

This year they want to beat that.

Everything the Pink Ladies raise goes right back to the community.

They operate the trolley service that tours the George Town Hospital on Monday and Thursday mornings between 9 and 11 a.m.

Director of the Pink Ladies, Pamela Webster, said $84,000 was raised last year through their Pink Hibiscus coffee shop and other fundraisers including the Christmas bazaar and $84,000 was given away.

Most of the money collected goes to the elderly and children with the main focus going mainly to The Pines, the Lighthouse School and the National Council of Voluntary Organisation’s (NCVO) education and children’s programme.

Last year The Pines received $25,000,

Lighthouse School $6,000, and

NCVO $20,000 (last year) $30,000 (this year)

However, there were other beneficiaries last year including:

Cancer Society $10,000

Crisis Centre $5,000

Special Olympics $3,000

Cayman HospiceCare $5,000

The only money that is kept is to run the coffee shop where they have to pay the small staff employed in the kitchen. Everyone who works for the Pink Ladies are volunteers.

A very small preview of the wonderful items that will be on sale at the Christmas Bazaar were on sale last week at the Cayman Islands National Museum.

Items on sale will include plants, handmade items and decorations and lots and lots of food. All donated.

The Cayman National Choir and Orchestra will be at the Bazaar to entertain the expected crowd of 1,000; 1,400 attended it last year! There will also be a raffle with lots of prizes donated by local companies.

Entry is $5 for adults and $3 for children.

One last word. Although the Pink Ladies Volunteer Corps Cayman Islands have lots of volunteers they need more. Even just 3 hours a month of your time will help.

PHOTO: Sabrina, Cristina and Beverley. — at Cayman Islands National Museum.