Young and old turned out to walk for a worthy cause and to have some fun as well.

Armed with a target of raising over $50,000 to support the St. Lucia Cancer Society and Faces of Cancer, a record number of persons set out on Sunday October 4th to participate in the fourth annual CIBC FirstCaribbean Walk for the Cure. The walk coincided with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s CIBC Run for the Cure, and was held in each territory CIBC FirstCaribbean operates throughout the Caribbean.

The walk commenced at the Rodney Bay Branch with participants travelling through Monchy and La Retraite to complete the trek at Pigeon Island where they were met with refreshments, sponsor booths and inspirational talks from Country Manager, Ladesa James-Williams, members of Faces of Cancer and local oncologist, Dr Owen Gabriel.

Speaking to the gathering, Ladesa James-Williams thanked those who participated, noting, “that CIBC FirstCaribbean is pleased to support the fight against cancer through the 4th annual Walk for the Cure which seeks not only to raise funds for cancer treatment and to raise awareness to the need to get screened but to remind those living and battling the disease that they do so with a community of well-wishers and supporters behind them.”

Dr. Owen Gabriel, who participated in the walk, highlighted the value of activities like Walk for the Cure that raise awareness and support for local cancer organisations as cancer treatment can be costly. He went on to note how leading a healthy lifestyle can have a positive effect on one’s predisposition to cancer, and that consuming healthy foods and engaging in regular exercise are habits that can help prevent chronic diseases like cancer.

Stevensia Theophane, Vice President of Faces of Cancer, spoke of the impact on cancer patients of the support from last year’s walk in alleviating the financial stress associated with cancer treatment, and looked forward to being able to make a difference in a number of lives impacted by cancer from this year’s proceeds.

Fund raising activities will continue throughout the month of October including a raffle with exciting prizes, compliments of Bay Gardens Beach Resort, Felly Belly, LIME, Sea Island Cotton Shop, Courts, BRAWO, Anse Chastanet and Massy Distributors. Donations towards the St. Lucia Cancer Society and Faces of Cancer can also be made via deposits to account number: 106995550 as well as in donation tins at all branches of CIBC FirstCaribbean.

A number of sponsors were on board this year to lend their support to the St. Lucia Cancer Society and Faces of Cancer including regional sponsors – Ernst & Young, Fujitsu, Guardsman, Massy United Insurance, Tata Consultancy Services and Sandals; gold sponsors – Digicel and Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort; silver sponsors – LIME and M&R Ltd.; and bronze sponsors – Anse Chastanet, Bay Gardens Beach Resort, Blue Waters, BRAWO, Courts, Mr. Irvin Emmanuel, Felly Belly, Floissac Lawyers, Greene & Associates, Massy Distributors, Rituals, Sea Island Cotton Shop and Touch Therapies Day Spa. CIBC FirstCaribbean thanks all of the sponsors for their support and generosity.