Founded by Captain Eldon Kirkconnell in 1972, Kirk Freeport began life with a few jewellery counters in local grocery stores. Over the course of five decades it has grown into the largest independent duty-free retailer in the Caribbean. With dozens of retail stores across Grand Cayman, Kirk Freeport is the leading purveyor of gifts, mementoes and luxury goods – keepsakes purchased and given to mark life’s most important milestones.

A Caymanian-owned and operated company, Kirk Freeport has always supported the local community through fundraisers, sponsorship and donations. To show its appreciation for the local community, the retailer stepped up its philanthropy throughout 2022, with sizeable contributions to local charities and a variety of giveaways for residents.

$50K IN CHARITABLE DONATIONS

Kirk Freeport has long been a generous supporter of community causes, charities and fundraisers, but the level of support was increased significantly in 2022. The company selected five local organisations whose values align with those Kirk Freeport was founded on, each of which received a donation of $10K. These funds will be directed towards programmes and initiatives that support and lift up young Caymanians.

CAYMANIAN HERITATE

The Kirkconnells, like so many Caymanian families, were seafarers for generations. The Cayman Islands Seafarers Association has therefore received an important donation that will help it document the role of seafarers in Cayman’s development and promote maritime careers for young Caymanians.

FAMILY

Kirk Freeport began as a family business and has remained a family-owned and run enterprise for three generations. Family is paramount for the Kirkconnells, who were raised participating in the YMCA. The organisation’s dedication to strengthening the community by focusing on family, youth and sound values made it a fitting recipient for a sizeable donation.

ENTREPENUERSHIP

Kirk Freeport may have had humble beginnings, but Captain Eldon Kirkconnell’s enterprising spirit and hard work set it on a course for success. To support young Caymanians pursuing vocational careers, the company has donated funds to cover two full scholarships for Technical Vocational Educational Training with Build Your Future Cayman, offered by Inspire Cayman.

MARITIME

Kirk Freeport’s company logo – a ship’s wheel – highlights the central role that the sea and sea-going vessels played in the Islands’ history. The Cayman Islands Sailing Club, a non-profit organisation whose mission is to promote sailing, seamanship and safety at sea, received a $10K donation to support its training and development programmes for young Caymanians.

CRAFTSMANSHIP

From shipbuilding to jewellery-making, Kirk Freeport knows the value of quality craftsmanship. The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, which preserves and promotes local crafts and craftspeople, therefore, also received a significant donation to fund internships to support young Caymanians building creative careers.

MONTHLY SWEEPSTAKES

Kirk Freeport’s Christmas sweepstakes are always popular, but in 2022 the company took their prize giveaways to another level. From April to December, every purchase of $100 earned residents an entry into a monthly prize draw valued at between $5K and $10K.

A Rolex watch, Mikimoto diamond earrings, and a David Yurman gold necklace are just a few of the items donated by the luxury brands the company represents as gifts in the sweepstakes.

50TH CELEBRATION GIFT CARDS

All those celebrating a 50-year milestone in 2022 were eligible for a special Kirk Freeport gift card. Residents celebrating their 50th birthday received a $50 voucher, and those celebrating 50 years or more of marriage were honoured with a $500 gift card. No purchase was necessary: residents could simply apply with supporting documentation and treat themselves to something special.