St. Georges, Grenada, 18th October 2014. On Saturday 18th October, friends, family, business associates, members of the Grenada Cancer Society and staff of CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank in Grenada, turned out to demonstrate in a tangible way, their determination to support individuals and families who are living with this terrible disease.
‘Walk for the Cure’ which is the main cancer support event of the year, allowed participants in Grenada to connect with the larger regional walk that took place earlier in October, which was held across the 17 territories where CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank operates. It coincided with parent company CIBC’s annual ‘Run for the Cure’ held in Canada, coordinated by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
This is the third year that Grenada has participated in organizing ‘Walk for the Cure’. In doing so, they have joined along with its parent company, CIBC, which is in its 18th year of supporting the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s Run for the Cure. 127,000 participants and volunteers came together on Run day in Canada and through the support of generous donors raised the astounding sum of over $25 million for innovative breast cancer research, health education, and advocacy initiatives throughout Canada.
And what an event this year’s walk turned out to be in Grenada! Despite the heavy rains earlier in the afternoon, an amazing 130 plus walkers turned out to participate in a walk with a difference. This was a twilight walk that started out from Port Highway and ended in the bank’s car park, because the heavy rains made access to Bruce Street Mall impossible. With participants distinguished by their distinctive t-shirts and carrying flameless candles, it was truly a twilight spectacle that will be remembered by all who shared or witnessed it. But there was more when walkers arrived at their destination. The walk climaxed with a memorable ceremony, that saw Akiera Paterson skilfully compeer events that included performances from Sonika McKie and Simone Green. A moving testimonial was given by Chalky Ventour, himself a cancer survivor.
Country Manager for Grenada, Nigel Ollivierre, expressed his gratitude for the support received stating, “I would like to express on behalf of the bank, our gratitude for all who braved the elements to provide active support to this year’s events. I would also wish to single out our many business sponsors and thank then for their financial support and other donations, which ensured this event remained special and memorable for all involved”
Commenting on the walk and the Bank’s future activities, Mr Ollivierre, said, “Cancer remains a disease that affects many and could be an unwelcome experience for any of us in the future. This remains an issue that the bank remains wholly committed to supporting, so that any who are unfortunate to contract this dreadful disease, or has to live with someone suffering or even knows a friend so afflicted, can be reassured that they do not have to bear the burden on their own.”
Because cancer remains a national concern with individuals affected at any time, CIBC FirstCaribbean has made arrangements to allow individuals wishing to do so, to contribute either through participation in future events or make a donation to the ‘Walk for the Cure’ cancer fund which can be made directly into account #106987707.
Mr Ollivierre informed that to date in Grenada, the total collected stands at just over USD4,000 to date, (XCD11,000), all of which will be donated to the local cancer society. He concluded by warmly encouraging all Grenadians to contribute to the cause.
