Crisis centre plans crucial annual funding event

(CNS): Studies have shown that in economically difficult times, the incidence of domestic violence increases significantly and that three in four women will stay in an abusive relationship because they do not have the financial resources to leave.  Last year the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre received 131 crisis calls and sheltered 30 women and 35 children, including providing them with meals, clothing and other daily essentials. In order to keep offering a safe haven to womanand children in danger the centre depends heavily on its annual major fundraising event in December the Jingle Bell Walk/Run which brings in around $50,000.

Maples and Calder and MaplesFS have partnered with the centre as the major sponsor of the event which is now in its 10th year and has contributed $5,000 to the 2012 event scheduled for 8 December.

“Maples and Calder is committed to many initiatives across the Cayman Islands, but we are particularly supportive of organisations that focus on helping those in need.  Raising awareness is as important as the funding aspect, and the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre is doing a remarkable job in getting the word out about domestic violence," said Paul Lumsden, Managing Partner, Maples and Calder, Cayman.  "The statistics are concerning and we must all do our part to ensure that everyone has the opportunity for a life free of violence.”

Allison Clark, Fundraising Committee Chair of the Board of Directors, thanked Maples and all the sponsors.  “We are well into the planning stage of the 2012 event and are grateful for all of our corporate and individual sponsors.  All of the money we raise at these events goes directly to fund operations of the Crisis Centre and we would not exist without these generous donations.”

For more information on sponsoring the 10th annual Jingle Bell Walk/Run in support of the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre, please contact Allison Clark at aclark@investors-trust.com, by calling 749-3340 or visiting www.cicc.ky.

The Cayman Islands Crisis Centre, established in 2003, is the first and only safe shelter for the victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault in Cayman.