Hundreds Join CIBC Walk for the Cure as Participation Hits Record High

Hundreds of people turned out for CIBC Caribbean’s 15th annual Walk for the Cure in Antigua, with the bank reporting record participation in its fundraising and cancer awareness event.

Cancer survivors, families, children and other supporters joined the walk, which began at the WIOC playing field and followed a route along Friars Hill Road, past Weatherill’s and onto Marble Hill Road before returning to WIOC.

In a release issued on October 6, the bank said funds raised through this year’s initiative would support the Oncology Department at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre and the Breast Friends Organisation.

CIBC Caribbean’s Head of Country, Priscilla Leonce, thanked participants and sponsors, describing cancer as a deeply personal issue that has touched many families, including members of the bank’s staff.

She noted that some employees are battling cancer, others are survivors, and colleagues have also died from the disease.

Senior Walk Manager Natasha Charles said the event provided an opportunity to increase awareness, raise funds for care, support survivors and remember those who have died.

Charles recognised the event’s three leading platinum sponsors—the Barrett group of companies, A.S. Bryden, and Cool and Smooth. A.S. Bryden also fielded the largest participating group, with 96 people.

Leonce said the initiative reflected the bank’s commitment to addressing issues affecting its customers and the wider community.

“By becoming personally involved in the event we are each demonstrating that CIBC Caribbean’s commitment to Antigua and Barbuda is about more than handing over a donation,” she said.

The walk forms part of a year-round fundraising programme that includes Music for the Cure, Hike for the Cure, Gala for the Cure and Jam for the Cure. A raffle will continue until December.

Last year’s campaign raised a record EC$177,000 to support early detection, cancer care, patient support and awareness. The bank has not yet announced the total raised through this year’s efforts.