Rotarians Derek Haines and Mike Burcombe were inspired to raise funds for Jubilate, a non-profit after-school programme that teaches less advantaged children from the public schools in the Eastern districts various life skills through music and academic enrichment. Jubilate instils in young Caymanians discipline and self-confidence – skills Derek and Mike needed on their recent trek.
Derek and Mike took on the challenging GR20 trek across Corsica in June and encouraged fellow Rotarians and the wider community to pledge their support to the children of Jubilate. All travel costs and registration fees were self-funded by Derek and Mike, and every dollar raised will go directly into supporting Jubilate.
The GR20 is a 180 km hike with 32,000 feet of variation on the Mediterranean island of Corsica. The GR20 is billed as the toughest long-distance hike in Europe, and after experiencing it first hand, Derek and Mike cannot argue that. The trek took them sixteen days to complete, plus a lot of sweat, mental toughness, and aching muscles.
At the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman's August 11 the Patron of this fundraising effort, his Excellency the Governor Martyn Roper, expressed his gratitude to Derek and Mike for their community-minded initiative that will make a lasting impact on Jubilate and the youth they serve. The Governor presented a check for CI $160,470 to representatives from Jubilate, including Founder & Board Chairperson, Carole Kirkconnell, Director Liz Watkins, Programme Manager Hannah Peralta, and other key supporters of Jubilate’s efforts.
The Jubilate Board of Directors thanks Derek and Mike for identifying Jubilate as the benefiting charity of their Corsican Trek. The funds and awareness raised will help solidify Jubilate’s ongoing transition from a small after-school programme to a sustainable, well-governed, non-profit organisation that can impact so many of Cayman’s youth in greatest need for years to come.
Rotary President Jim Ehman thanked and congratulated the trekkers on their admirable achievement. Derek and Mike were thrilled with the successful “Hiking for Harmony” challenge and were humbled by so many generous supporters. Funds raised will be utilized to continue the important work conducted by Jubilate, nurturing, inspiring and empowering the children and future leaders of our community.
Donations to the Corsican Trek for Jubilate can still be made to the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman. Visit jubilate.ky/corsicantrek for details.