CIBC FirstCaribbean to the fore once more

The Breast Screening Programme of the Barbados Cancer Society recently received the proceeds from the 2021 CIBC FirstCaribbean Walk for the Cure.

The BDS$54,000 cheque was presented by the bank’s Barbados Walk Manager Shakida Grant to the programme’s subcommittee members Maureen Huque and Maureen Springer.

Huque thanked the bank for supporting the Breast Screening Programme while adding that the various events helped to raise awareness for early detection which was important to saving lives.

She pointed out that over the years, the funds have assisted with the purchase of the new state-of-the-art mammogram imaging Tomogram (3D) machine, which was being used in developed countries for early detection of breast cancer.

It has also enhanced early detection in young women and women with dense breast tissue and can be used on patients with implants and on men.

Last year, the machine arrived in Barbados and is currently in use. The original 2D machine, which was the main piece of testing equipment, is now reserved for special purposes.

Grant pointed out that even though there were many restrictions to the plans that the Walk for the Cure team initially had, they were still able to mobilise members of the staff to do some safe activities and contribute to the funds raised this year, like the sale of a specially produced candle from Native Caribbean.

The team was also able to enhance the awareness with the creation of a commissioned mural on the busy Collymore Rock highway.
Managing Director for Barbados OpCo, Donna Wellington, stated that CIBC FirstCaribbean was happy that it could contribute to the fight against cancer.

She noted that the bank took its social responsibility role seriously and was eager to assist countries in ways that would improve their social and economic development.

“Cancer has touched many of us in the bank, with friends, family and colleagues having succumbed to this disease, so we are committed to partner with those who join in the battle,” she added.

Walk for the Cure is a regional calendar of events, undertaken by CIBC FirstCaribbean in all the territories where it has a presence and features a walk as the marquee event.

The 2021 events were curtailed by restrictions due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, but Barbados was still able to raise the amount handed over recently.
(PR)