As a part of CIBC FirstCaribbean’s community outreach, the bank joined autism support organisation “Resource and Education source for Autism and related Challenges” (REACH) in celebrating 15 years of assisting those living with autism and their family members.

At a short presentation recently at the bank’s Shirley Street Headquarters, the group was presented with a donation to mark the milestone.

REACH, is a non-profit organization aimed at providing parents with comprehensive knowledge and tools in all areas of the neurobiological disorder autism. In their 15th year, the organisation aims to focus on increasing availability of screening and care, and collecting accurate statistics on the disease.

“At the moment we don’t know the numbers of autistic kids in the Bahamas. One of our main goals is to develop accurate statistics,” said Darren Henfield, of REACH’s Executive Committee. “This donation will also help with care. It is not easy raising an autistic child with the many medical expenses involved. These funds will help parents get screening for their children and provide proper medical attention,” he said.

Youth and health are two of the major thematic focuses in CIBC FirstCaribbean’s four-pronged approach to philanthropy. The bank also strongly encourages social impact in the communities it serves through staff volunteerism and environmental issues.

(l-r) Marie Rodland-Allen, Managing Director, CIBC FirstCaribbean (Bahamas); Darren Henfield, Executive Committee, REACH; Dwight Burrows, District Manager CIBC FirstCaribbean