Water Authority — Cayman recently presented a donation of CI$4,108 to the Lions Club of Cayman Brac. The funds were raised through the Authority’s annual Project Angel Tree initiative which takes place in December and benefits one or more different non-profit organisations each year.

The Authority’s employees joined together to raise CI$2,054 which was then generously matched by the Board.

Brac Lions 3rd Vice President Nickolas DaCosta explained that the funds would primarily support the founding of a “Kids Pantry Project” to provide nutritious snacks to children who would otherwise go to school hungry.

“The Kids Pantry Project will create a healthy snack pantry at each of the three primary school campuses and the high school campus. The pantry will be available to students who do not have access to daily snacks or meals for whatever reason,” he said.

Water Authority Director Gelia Frederick-van Genderen said that the donation was the largest in the history of the Project Angel Tree initiative.

“I am very proud of the level of contributions made by staff this year. I think it shows the importance that we, as an organisation, place on ensuring local school children have everything they need to succeed,” she said, noting that the proceeds from the 2015 Project Angel Tree went to support Feed Our Future Cayman.

Mr. DaCosta said that he expected the funds to go a long way towards getting the project off the ground.

“The impact of the funds from the Authority’s Project Angel Tree will be tremendous for both the Kids Pantry Project and the Club on a whole,” he said.

Research shows that children who go to school hungry are less able to concentrate, have less motivation and energy, and, as a result, do not perform as well academically. This can have profound consequences that can affect the rest of their lives.

“It is very difficult to concentrate and learn on an empty stomach and no child in the Cayman Islands should have to go hungry,” Dr. Frederick-van Genderen said. Mr. DaCosta said that the Lions Club of Cayman Brac was extremely grateful for the Authority’s support.

“WAC as an organisation is the epitome of corporate social responsibility,” he said.

For more information on the Water Authority, please visit www.waterauthority.ky.