Walkers buy books for kids

(CNS): Every primary school library in the Cayman Islands has received a $200 gift certificate for books from Trust and Management Services group Walkers Global Holdings. A direct contribution from the Walkers staff, the gift certificates replaced the firm’s annual kids Christmas party which was cancelled following the impact of Hurricane Paloma, which affected so many families. The firm said given the circumstancesbuying books seemed a more appropriate contribution.

"Rather than taking some children out for lunch or to a party, we felt that the best way for all children in the Cayman Islands to benefit was for the money to be used to purchase books for all of the local schools," said Dorothy Davis, project manager with Walkers Corporate Services.

 "Promoting literacy and reading within the community is a key priority for our staff this year."

The gift certificate can be exchanged at the Book Nook and the three primary schools on Cayman Brac (Creek, Spot Bay and West End Primary) will also be receiving gift certificates.

"We are so grateful to the staff of Walkers Global Holdings for this generous donation, which shows their great kindness," said Deborah Powery-Zureigat, Librarian for East End, North Side and Bodden Town Primary Schools. "I was so pleasantly surprised when I heard about them wanting to donate funds from their own pockets. The three small libraries that I work in will definitely make them available to our school children."

The firm said its donation of books fits in neatly with its other work to encourage literacy within the community. Staff have been contributing their time since the start of this year for the Self Sustained Reading Programme at Leading Edge High School. This involves staff members going to the school on Friday mornings and helping the students with their reading.

Both the management of Walkers Global Holdings and the staff within the individual groups are pleased to play such an active part within the community in Cayman, particularly where employees can devote some of their own time. "Walkers Global Holdings takes its role as a corporate citizen very seriously and we are always looking at ways that we can make a difference, both financially and on a personal level," said Nancy Lewis, chief executive officer of Walkers Global Holdings.