CIBC Caribbean spotlights youth inspiring change, reboots ‘Unsung Heroes’

After more than a decade away, CIBC Caribbean’s celebrated Unsung Heroes initiative is back—this time with a renewed mission to uncover and honour the extraordinary acts of selflessness among the region’s youth. 

The relaunch signals a powerful call to recognise young changemakers whose quiet dedication is shaping communities for the better.

First introduced in 2003, the programme ran for a decade until 2013, during which it celebrated scores of ordinary citizens who went above and beyond to support their communities, often without recognition or reward.

Now, after a prolonged hiatus and with a fresh focus on selfless works by the youth, the bank has revived the initiative to continue highlighting the spirit of volunteerism and community care throughout the region.

During the relaunch of the initiative at CIBC headquarters in Warrens, Donna Wellington, chief country management officer of CIBC Caribbean, said the bank was excited for the programme’s return.

She said: “I am truly excited this afternoon as I reflect on the immense goodness and kind acts that were unearthed across our region during the initial programme – Caribbean people caring for each other in truly remarkable and selfless ways. We are confident that there is still a strong culture of care and kindness in communities across the region.

“Today, we kick off a renewed campaign to find those hidden heroes across our communities and to shine the spotlight on the life-changing work they are doing.”

The rebooted CIBC Caribbean Unsung Heroes campaign will now include individuals aged ten and up, with a special emphasis on encouraging nominations of young people who are making a difference through environmental stewardship, social outreach, and other humanitarian efforts.

She said: “This new CIBC Caribbean Unsung Heroes campaign is open to all persons aged ten and over. The majority of the region’s youth are engaged in positive and uplifting activities ranging from care for our environment, health and social issues and other positive and uplifting activities which often go unnoticed. They, like scores of other men and women, have been making a difference in their communities and have not been highlighted or rewarded in any significant way.”

The campaign will span the ten territories where CIBC Caribbean operates, culminating in the announcement of national winners in August, followed by regional winners in September.

During the event, Wellington also shared an update on CIBC’s ongoing philanthropic work, including the successful Walk for the Cure initiative.

“As many of you know, our flagship activity of the Foundation is Walk for the Cure,” she said. “The walk has continued to grow in size and popularity over the years, and though the number of countries in our network has been reduced, the Walk for the Cure has continued to grow, with last year’s event attracting over 35 000 participants and raising over US$5 million (BDS$10 million) for support to people across the region who are affected by cancer.”

Debra King, corporate communications director and trustee of the ComTrust Foundation, outlined the entry requirements for this year’s Unsung Heroes campaign. Nominations must be for individuals—not groups—and their work must be strictly voluntary, she explained. Nominees must not be affiliated with political or business entities and must not have received prior public recognition for their contributions. Additionally, they must be of good character and free from any criminal convictions within the last five years.

“Nominees should be willing to have their stories, likeness or images used in publicity for the programme,” she said.

Entries can be submitted as a short video (no longer than 1.5 minutes) or a written piece of 300-400 words, accompanied by photos. Submissions should be emailed to unsungheroes@cibcfcib.com. (SB)