This year’s CIBC FirstCaribbean ‘Walk for the Cure’ has received a significant financial boost from Barbados’ leading telecommunications provider.
In support of Breast Cancer Awareness, which is annually observed throughout the month of October, the C&W Communication brands of Flow and C&W Business have donated $20,000 to the Caribbean’s largest fundraising walk which is expected to draw thousands of Barbadians to the ABC Highway as it transforms into a ‘sea of pink’ on Sunday, October 2.
“Many people, if not every single Barbadian, has been touched by breast cancer, whether through their personal battle or the experiences of a loved one. As a local community, we are facing this challenge together, and through partnerships such as this, we are proud to be able to positively impact the lives of thousands,” said Paul Batson, Marketing Manager, Flow Barbados.
“We also applaud the staff and volunteers of the Barbados Cancer Society and the Breast Screening Programme for their sterling efforts and commitment in the promotion of early detection and prompt treatment, along with patient care, support services and counselling.”
Batson presented Flow’s contribution to the ‘Walk for the Cure’ to Donna Wellington, Managing Director, Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, CIBC FirstCaribbean. The money will be divided between two of the territories covered by both companies – Barbados and St. Lucia.
“There is already considerable excitement among our team here in Barbados, and we have also embarked on our own internal initiatives, and we expect to have several staff members taking to the streets in support of this most worthy cause,” added Batson.
The walk starts from CIBC FirstCaribbean in Warrens and moves south along the ABC Highway before turning at the Clyde Walcott Roundabout and on to Waterford Road; it then passes Combermere School and concludes at the National Botanical Gardens opposite the National Stadium.
“Walk for the Cure has become our flagship activity and one of the Caribbean’s largest cancer fundraising and educational initiatives raising USD$3 million over the past decade. This would not be possible without our corporate partners, individuals, and our volunteer employees, and we are excited to be back together on the road again after a two-year hiatus,” said Wellington.
“This event attracts thousands of walkers from The Bahamas in the north to Trinidad in the south and the thirteen other territories in between which make up the bank’s regional footprint. The funds generated from the walk are truly life-changing and are used primarily to assist with the purchase and maintenance of equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. It is also used to help reduce the cost of mammograms for individuals.”
The Breast Screening Programme, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, is hoping to raise at least $170,000 to purchase a stereotactic biopsy machine which accurately pin-points small microcalcifications and abnormalities in the breast.
(PR)
