Crisis Centre helps clients find their voice

(CNS): The Cayman Islands Crisis Centre is providing its clients with new mobile phones and numbers in an innovative new fundraising programme called “Find Your Voice.” In a public awareness campaign, the Crisis Centre is asking individuals and companies to donate their old mobile phones and accessories, which are then shipped to a recycler in the United States, who pays the Crisis Centre cash for the equipment.  These funds then go towards the purchase of new phones and pre-paid minutes for the Crisis Centre clients.  Find Your Voice, which was inspired by KPMG’s global employee philanthropic programme called BRIGHT, launches on Saturday 6th April when, between 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, volunteers will be at Foster’s Airport and Strand locations collecting old mobile phones and accessories.  Collection boxes will remain at these locations and will also be at Kirk’s Supermarket.

Cayman Islands Crisis Centre’s fundraising chairperson Allison Clark said about the concept behind the programme,  “A phone is a basic requirement for someone who is reconstructing her life.  Clients will now have the means to find a place to live, set up job interviews and safely connect with family members.  It might also be a lifeline in an emergency situation”.

LIME, who has been a longstanding contributor to the Crisis Centre, will be a major sponsor of the programme in its first year, providing phones and pre-paid minutes free of charge to the centre’s clients. 

KPMG’s BRIGHT programme encourages employees to come together to support theUN Millennium Development Goals in developing local and international communities in need.  In October 2012, KPMG invited staff to form teams of two to develop a BRIGHT idea that would make a difference in the Cayman Islands. Megan Holt and Julia Allman, both senior auditors at KPMG, won the competition with their presentation and business plan for Find Your Voice. The KPMG judges found their idea to be unique, well researched and had potential to make a positive difference in the community.  In recognition of their efforts, the pair will complete a two-week BRIGHT placement in Costa Rica.