More than 300 walkers registered for the 2022 CIBC FirstCaribbean Walk for the Cure which took place on Tortola on Saturday, October 8, 2022. Photo: Provided

The Walk for the Cure is an annual event which grows in popularity with each successive year. Photo: Provided

The event organising committee and BVI Cancer Society were impressed with the record numbers that turned up before daybreak to walk or run 5 miles for a cause that touches everyone in some way.

"This year's participation in the Walk for the Cure has exceeded our expectations and we are highly encouraged by the feedback we have received from walkers, some of whom have shared their personal stories and reasons for taking part and all of whom have marked their calendars to take part next year," said Walk Manager Fabian Devonish, Branch Manager, Retail, Platinum and Business Banking, CIBC FirstCaribbean.

"The walk not only helps to raise awareness of the disease and bring in funds to assist the invaluable work of the BVI Cancer Society in the community, but also serves to bring people together who share a common thread of being impacted by cancer in one way or another. CIBC FirstCaribbean and the BVI Cancer Society express their deep gratitude for the support of the sponsors, donors in-kind and participants in this year's campaign which set out to raise $50,000 to help fight cancer in the BVI," said Devonish.

The community was represented by a cross-section of residents of all ages with the oldest participant, 86-year old Robin Pinfold, among the first to return to the bank after setting off at 5:30am on the roundtrip route to Sea Cow's Bay. The BVI Public Health Unit joined members of the BVI Cancer Society in serving refreshments while Capriccio di Mare delivered "breakfast pizzas" for all to enjoy.

BVI Cancer Society ‘overwhelmed’ @ participation

"I am overwhelmed with the number of sponsors, donors and people that came out to walk," said Gloria Fahie, President of the BVI Cancer Society. "We have never been as busy with on-the-day registration as this year. I speak for our charitable organisation when I say a big "thank you" to the bank and to the community for the support."

Funds generated from the walk are used primarily to assist with the purchase and maintenance of equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. They are also used to provide assistance, care and counseling to patients and their families. The funds also go towards promoting the importance of early detection through education campaigns across the region.

"Each year, as we help patients and their families navigate the course of dealing with cancer, we see many who have heard our message to self-check and to get checked as early detection has a high success rate in terms of survival. But sadly, we also see a great number who leave it too late and this Walk for the Cure campaign carries an urgent call to action. We remind anyone going through this turmoil that while you may be strong alone, we are unstoppable together," said Ms. Fahie.

Sponsors

The Walk for the Cure was supported by local corporate sponsors to include Diamond sponsors, Tradewinds, Walkers; Gold sponsors Harneys, O’Neal Webster; Silver sponsors BCQS, Captain Mulligans Ltd, Conyers, Island Sun, Maples, Nagico, CG Insurance; Bronze sponsors Alphonso Warner Insurance Agency, Advocates BVI, Capriccio di Mare, Carey Olsen, Caribbean Insurance Limited, CCT, Coldwell Banker, Driftwood Spa, FLOW, HikeBVI, Premier Dental, Smiths Gore, Sol, Top Priority Security, Tradewinds Mexican Grill and Trellis Bay Market, Bar & Grill.

The total sums raised are being tallied as donations and contributions continue to be collected through October, which also breast cancer awareness month.

The Walk for the Cure is an annual event which grows in popularity with each successive year. The community is encouraged to join in the activities in 2023 when the fundraising campaign kicks off with a new target to reach. Family oriented activities such as Men in Pink, Hike for the Cure and Hunt for the Cure will start in June and lead into the walk in October. Organisations who want to find out more about sponsorship opportunities should contact Mr. Devonish by email at fabian.devonish@cibcfcib.com

The walk, which began as part of the celebrations to mark the bank’s 10^th anniversary across its 16-member footprint, has raised over USD$3 million over the past ten years.