CIBC bank’s charitable initiative, Walk for a Cure, which aims to raise funds for cancer research and treatment, has donated $90,000 to the Oncology Department of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre and Breast Friends.

The donation was presented to representatives of the SLBMC at a formal ceremony held at the Galley Bay Resort on Tuesday.

The money was raised by collaborating with various organizations that supported the campaign.

At the ceremony, Joshuanette Francis, founder of the Good Humans 268 group representing persons with disabilities, spoke about the organization’s participation in the event.

She mentioned that the group mobilized 400 young people to participate in the Walk for a Cure event in 2023 and pledged to increase this number for next year’s event.

Cancer survivor Lucette James highlighted the significance of fundraising events and the importance of corporate donations to support cancer care.

She emphasized that many people who cannot afford medical insurance or expensive cancer treatments succumb to the disease early.

She expressed gratitude for CIBC’s invaluable support of cancer care over the years.

Michele Lynch, a member of Breast Friends, also shared her experiences and mentioned that she is a 15-year survivor of breast cancer.

She mentioned that the donation is useful, especially for patients who have to travel abroad for treatment, especially since the Cancer Centre closed almost a year ago.

Lynch explained that cancer patients often receive government assistance, but funding is necessary to help family members accompany them when they travel overseas.

Dr. Hanybal Yazigi, head of the department, accepted the $90,000 cheque on behalf of the Oncology Department and thanked CIBC and its partners for their donation to the hospital. In conclusion, Natasha Charles and Khadijah James, joint chairs of the Walk for the Cure initiative at CIBC, announced the launch of the 13th instalment of the programme for 2024.