CIBC FirstCaribbean 2016 Cancer Walk. Image: CIBC FirstCaribbean

“Walk for the Cure has annually provided a welcome injection of funds to assist the VI Cancer Society in its support of thousands of people in the Virgin Islands,” President of the VI Cancer Society Ms. Gloria A. Fahie said. Photo: CIBC FirstCaribbean

The event is locally endorsed by the Virgin Islands Cancer Society with the walk being community-wide as part of the bank’s regional initiative to help raise funds and awareness in the fight against all types of cancer.

“Walk for the Cure has annually provided a welcome injection of funds to assist the VI Cancer Society in its support of thousands of people in the Virgin Islands,” President of the VI Cancer Society Ms. Gloria A. Fahie said.

She notes that cancer as a disease has deep impacts on not just the person diagnosed, but also on their family and friends and it is something that must be addressed. “The funds raised help us to continue to provide the resources which help people adjust, cope and manage… we encourage everyone to come out and support the cause,” Ms. Fahie said.

Ms. Stephane Burke, Country Manager, CIBC FirstCaribbean BVI in speaking on her staff’s readiness said they will be out in numbers. In 2016, the staff successfully raised $10,000 for the VI Cancer Society through a series of in-house and public activities, hoping to surpass that figure in 2018.  

“This is one of the major volunteer community activities that our staff participates in… The team in the BVI has engaged with the in-house fund raising activities and will be out in force to show support for the cause,” Ms. Stephane Burke said.

The event will kick off at the CIBC FirstCaribbean in Road Town at 5:30 am with registration fee set at $20 inclusive of a branded T-shirt and refreshments. Funds will be donated to the VI Cancer Society to help in their support for cancer patients and their families.

To date, the fundraising and awareness event has generated over USD$1.75 million in sponsorship and donations on the regional level. This will be the sixth time the walk will take place in the Virgin Islands following its 2017 cancellation that came as a result of Hurricane Irma.