CIBC FirstCaribbean Makes Stride in Fundraising Drive

Fri, Oct 28th 2016, 10:15 AM

Community/Charity Health Press Releases

CIBC FirstCaribbean Palmdale Branch and friends

“We saw our highest levels of participation with a record turn out this year and it is truly heartwarming to see everybody here,” said CIBC FirstCaribbean Managing Director of Customer Relationship Management & Strategy Trevor Torzsas, speaking from the bank’s 5th Annual Walk for the Cure fun/run walk. All of the donations collected through this exciting fundraiser, which was held in Abaco, Eleuthera, New Providence and Grand Bahama on October 1 and 2, benefit local cancer support organisations.

The Nassau event began with an enthusiastic 6:00 a.m. warm-up led by Donavon Rolle of Jay’s Fitness. Shortly afterward, over 500 walkers and runners headed west on the long or short route to the Sandals or Melia Nassau Beach resorts, respectively. As the walkers returned, many joined in Jay’s Fitness Junkanoo aerobics session and then enjoyed a quick cool-down and stretch class.

The participants also had the opportunity to join a praise and worship service and to browse the sponsors’ booths and Health Fair. While corporate sponsors distributed prizes and coupons for product and service discounts, booth vendors provided information and free samples related to healthy living. The Cancer Society of the Bahamas offered attendees information about early cancer detection, health insurance tips, and other related wellness topics. Face painting and other fun activities, as always, proved a popular attraction at the Kiddie Corner.

Tall Pines Representative Leslie Miller with other participants prepare to Walk for the Cure

Leslie Miller, Member of Parliament for Tall Pines, said that he walks to show support for survivors and in memory and honour of the many loved ones lost but not forgotten. “I have been participating in the Walk for the Cure since CIBC FirstCaribbean started five years ago. My father and some of my close friends have died from cancer so I am committed to making whatever contributions are necessary and I participate and show respect and love for survivors.”

This sentiment was echoed by Latoya Moxey, Senior Sales and Marketing Manager at Melia Nassau Beach All-Inclusive Resort, one of the event’s Gold Sponsors. “We were very eager to be a part of the Walk for the Cure because cancer awareness is a cause that is very important to us. We have many staff members who are directly and indirectly affected by this disease and we feel this is a good and productive way for us to support the cause. So we are happy that CIBC FirstCaribbean asked us to come on board!”

Trevor Torzsas, co-chair for the Walk for the Cure stated that the support from walkers and corporate sponsors was crucial. “Since we started Walk for the Cure five years ago, we have raised over $1 million USD over the last five years toward this effort for cancer detection and care in The Bahamas and Caribbean countries. We are truly grateful to receive so much support from our corporate sponsors and applaud the communities, groups and individuals who come out to support the cause via Walk for the Cure.”

CIBC FirstCaribbean Managing Director of Customer Relations and Strategy Trevor Torzsas and Bahamas Managing Director Marie Rodland-Allen present flowers to survivors