Virgin Islands Search and Rescue’s (VISAR) 4th Annual Fundraiser, VISAR’S Winter Wonderland and Holiday Village, will be held at Nanny Cay this year, moving out from Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, where it was held for the first 3 years. Photo: VISAR/File

Children playing in the 'snow fall' at VISAR's Holiday Village back in 2020. Photo: VINO/File

The schedule of special events in December at VISAR's Winter Wonderland and Holiday Village at Nanny Cay. Photo: VISAR

The synthetic 'ice skating' rink will open on Friday, November 24 at 5:00 PM with the final night of skating on Saturday, December 30, 2023. 

Every Friday and Saturday night, the Holiday Village will feature food and ice cream vendors, and throughout the five weeks, a full roster of special events will be held, a press release from VISAR on November 2, 2023, stated.

The cost to skate is $10 per person for 30 minutes.

Opportunities to sponsor a school or group!

VISAR said opportunities to sponsor a school or community group for skating along with advertising on one of the dasher boards are still available. For more information, persons can contact Julie Schneider at Purpose Driven Consultants Julie@purposedrivenbvi.com or 284.345.4801.

VISAR’s Operation Manager, J. Phil Aspinall said: "This is the 4th year of VISAR's Winter Wonderland and it's certainly meeting its original objectives of raising funds that are needed to ensure that we are available 24/7/365 to provide the best possible response to a maritime distress, and, giving back to the community that supports us. Why not have fun while you're donating to a great cause?”

Opportunities for community service hours

Julie Schneider, of Purpose Driven Consultants, commented: “I'm thrilled to be managing VISAR's Winter Wonderland fundraiser for the holidays once more! This event is more than just a chance to generate much-needed funding for a worthy nonprofit organization; it's also about establishing a setting that enables the BVI youth to acquire life skills, including teamwork and customer service, at an early age.

“Each year, high school students are able to earn community service hours at the rink and we also provide 10-12 young adults seasonal jobs. I'm thrilled to report that we were able to hire five of the volunteers from the previous season to join our staff this year!”

‘A complete holiday experience’- Jane Tyrell

Jane Tyrell, Nanny Cay Resort Manager, added: “Nanny Cay Resort and Marina's partnership with VISAR’s Winter Wonderland exemplifies our commitment to providing a safe, family-oriented, and enjoyable holiday experience for all that visit Nanny Cay. This collaboration not only enhances the festive spirit but also underlines the resort's dedication to supporting VISAR in their essential fundraising efforts.

Tyrell said Nanny Cay's resort ambiance perfectly complements Winter Wonderland, offering visitors a complete holiday experience.

“With a variety of dining options, and a stunning marina, guests can enjoy more than just skating.  Guests can bond with loved ones, creating lasting memories, and savor a delightful blend of tropical paradise and wintery fun, all within a safe and family-friendly environment,” Tyrell said.