St. John’s, Antigua, February 28, 2024. Two local organisations are benefitting from a donation of EC$90,000 from funds raised during CIBC Caribbean’s 12th Annual Walk for the Cure which was held last October.
One of the bank’s Walk for the Cure Managers, Natasha Charles, noted that last February when the presentation of $65,000 was made for the 2022 Walk, the bank’s Country Head Ladesa James-Williams challenged the organisers to up the ante and raise $100,000.
“We just missed that target by $10,000 but we are so happy that thanks to our many sponsors, supporters and staff we are still able to donate $90,000 to support our cancer patients. Walk for a Cure is important in terms of increasing awareness of the disease; raising funds for cancer care, showing support for cancer survivors; and remembering those who have passed,” she said.
She added that the bank viewed the walk as an integral part of CIBC Caribbean’s continuing commitment to its community.
“By becoming personally involved in this event and also raising funds, we are demonstrating that our commitment to Antigua and Barbuda is about more than handing over a donation,” she added.
The funds will be divided equally between the Oncology Department of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre and the Breast Friends Organisation.
The formal presentation ceremony was hosted by the Galley Bay Resort on Tuesday 27th February, 2024.
Speaking during the presentation Secretary of Breast Friends, Mrs. Eunetta Bird, herself a 15-year breast cancer survivor thanked the bank for its unwavering support over the past 12 years.
“You have made your faithful, financial contribution over the past 12 years. These funds are critical to our work and are used in many ways but particularly to finance and supplement the travel of cancer patients. Your support means so much to us,” she said.
Dr. Hanybal Yazigi, Oncologist at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre also thanked the bank, its staff and the many sponsors for the timely donation and its commitment to the ongoing work at its Oncology Department.
Also speaking during the presentation was Mrs. Lucette James of AS Bryden, one of the sponsors. She said that for all the years that she has been coordinating the sponsorship and motivating the staff to join the walk, she never imagined that one day, she herself would face cancer.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year so I am a one-year survivor and it has not been easy. Cancer care is expensive. The support which CIBC has been giving cancer care over the years is invaluable. We appreciate you and we love you,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of Good Humans 268, its founder Joshuanette Francis, noted that they mobilized 400 young people to participate in the 2023 walk and promised to increase that number this year.
The 13th Annual CIBC Caribbean Walk for the Cure Will be held in October.Photo: Group photo of representatives of the Oncology Department of SLBMC, Breast Friends Organisation, sponsors and staff of CIBC Caribbean at the presentation of $90,000 raised by Walk for the Cure 2023.