CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Walk for the Cure (WFTC)- the region’s largest cancer fundraiser- celebrates one decade this year, and The Bahamas will host the usually one weekend long activity during the entire month of October.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and safety protocols, the walk will be virtual and will occur under the theme ‘We’re still walking for the cure’- which is fitting for the monumental 10th year, and the walk proceeding despite the coronavirus pandemic.

During the 31 days of October, CIBC FirstCaribbean is encouraging participants to walk any desired route and virtually interact with the bank by posting photos, videos, and screenshots from their fitness apps to Facebook and Instagram using the special social media hashtags #WalkfortheCureBAH2021 and #WeStillWalkfortheCure, and tagging the bank in their posts for a chance to win prizes.

CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Managing Director, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands, Dr. Jacqui Bend highlighted the coronavirus-related incentives and donations made by the bank since its onset. She also noted that the existence of COVID-19 does not make cancer disappear, and fundraisers like Walk for the Cure make a huge difference for those impacted by the disease. “Walk for the Cure has raised over USD$2.9 million over the past nine years. In The Bahamas, we have raised nearly half a million dollars for cancer care organizations in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera since inception,” she said.

Executive co-chair of the walk and Managing Director, Retail and Business Banking, Mark St. Hill said, “COVID-19 has caused us to be constantly looking for creative ways in which to continue to engage in all aspects of our lives, and the celebration of our 10th anniversary hosting Walk for the Cure is no exception. We have asked our various business units to choose the type of activity which best suits the prevailing public health scenario in their territory,” said.

He thanked the thousands across the bank’s 16-member regional footprint as well as sponsors and staff members for “walking with us over the decade, whether you were there from that very first walk or joined us along the way, your support has made a fundamental difference in the lives of persons directly affected by cancer and their families. Your funding and your fellowship has been invaluable”.

His fellow executive co-chair and the bank’s Managing Director, Wealth Management, Dan Wright, said he looked forward to the support of the region’s corporate sector for this year’s walk given the challenges which many of the cancer care and support charities that benefit from the proceeds of the walk are facing.

“Many of these charities are struggling as a result of reduced donations while at the same time recording an increased demand for their services,” he noted.

“We are very much aware of the challenges which the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt to many businesses. Indeed, the last year has been a struggle for businesses of all sizes as they have sought to reposition and prioritize in order to remain viable. However, we are hopeful that resources, however limited will be found to support the vital work of those charities and institutions that we support with our walk,” he added.

The funds generated from the walk are used primarily to assist with the purchase and maintenance of equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. They are also used to provide assistance, care and counselling to patients and their families as well as to raise awareness, and stress the importance of early detection, through education campaigns across the region.

Companies and individuals are encouraged to participate in this year’s 10th annual Walk for the Cure, purchase WFTC shirts, and donate to the Walk for the Cure account at any CIBC FirstCaribbean branch or via online banking. All proceeds from shirt purchases and donations will go to local cancer care organizations. The Walk for the Cure Account Number is 201646737 and persons can contact WalkfortheCureBAH@cibcfcib.com for more information.