2019 Targets $100,000 for Cancer Awareness
NASSAU, BAHAMAS- CIBC FirstCaribbean officially launched its eighth annual “Walk for the Cure” campaign over tea and pastries inside Café Channing Noelle recently.
At the launch, Managing Director (Bahamas & TCI) Marie Rodland-Allen announced the bank’s goal to surpass its 2018 total of $90,000 and raise $100,000 for cancer treatment and awareness throughout The Bahamas with this year’s walk.
“Walk for the Cure” is CIBC FirstCaribbean’s largest cancer fundraising and educational initiative. The funds are used to provide assistance, care, and counseling to patients and their families, and also to raise awareness and stress the importance of early detection through education campaigns. Last year, CIBC FirstCaribbean regionally raised more than $500,000.
The “Walk for the Cure” this year takes place on Saturday, October 5 at 6:30am at the Goodman’s Bay Corporate Center in New Providence. Simultaneous walks will also be held in Grand Bahama, Abaco, and Eleuthera on the same day. Those who come out can look forward to a family affair, with activities, music, prizes, and various health and food vendors on site. Visit any CIBC FirstCaribbean branch to sign up; or contact 302-6036 or 302-6085.
Mrs. Rodland-Allen spoke to the media at Café Channing Noelle, where she was accompanied by Rochelle Wilkinson, Vice President of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas, and Helen Rolle, Secretary of the Sister, Sister Breast Cancer Support Group. Both organizations are yearly beneficiaries of “Walk for the Cure” funds. Also joining the tea party was Loretta Thomas, owner of Café Channing Noelle, a first-time sponsor of the annual event.
“CIBC FirstCaribbean’s ‘Walk for the Cure’ has become an important event in October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” Mrs. Rodland-Allen said. “The fundraising walk is our flagship activity and is seen as actively answering the call for increased awareness and care of family and community members fighting cancer. It is a major fundraiser locally for Sister, Sister and the Cancer Society of The Bahamas. Our event directly supports these organizations in their often emotionally and physically challenging humanitarian outreach.”
Rochelle Wilkinson, Vice President of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas (CSOB) highlighted the importance of the cause. “Cancer spares nobody, and we never know who’s going to be next,
she said. “Therefore, we’re happy to be able to provide our services to people to alleviate some of the stress that would be associated with taking treatment.”
Helen Rolle, Secretary of the Sister, Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, added, “In our organizations, you always wonder where the next dollar will come from, but we thank God for people who support causes like the ‘Walk for the Cure;’ because of them we’re able to extend a ray of hope to the wider community.” – more –
Loretta Thomas, owner of Café Channing Noelle and first-time corporate sponsor of the walk, urged the public to show support.
Mrs. Thomas said, “I say to everyone out there, please join us on the walk. Your support is very important. You will actually see the results of your support in our community. So whether you are a corporate citizen or just someone who wants to bring their family out to exercise and be a part of this walk, we encourage you to come and join us.”
