Over 400 people registered for the 13th Annual CIBC Caribbean Walk for the Cure which was held on October 5, 2024, making this year’s event one with record breaking numbers and a resounding success. Photo: CIBC Caribbean

The 13th Annual CIBC Caribbean Walk for the Cure which was held on October 5, 2024, began at 5:30 a.m. from the CIBC Caribbean bank, with walkers and runners making the round trip to Sea Cow’s Bay as dawn broke on the coastal route. Photo: CICB Caribbean

Governor Daniel Pruce (right) joined the 13th Annual CIBC Caribbean Walk for the Cure on October 5, 2024. In this photo he is joined by Mr. Fabian S. Devonish, Branch Manager, Retail, Platinum and Business Banking and Walk Manager, CIBC Caribbean (left) and Ms Gloria A. Fahie, President of the BVI Cancer Society (center). Photo: CIBC Caribbean

The annual event hosted by CIBC Caribbean in collaboration with the BVI Cancer Society kicked off at 5:30 AM from the CIBC Caribbean bank, with walkers and runners showing support for the fight against cancer in the Virgin Islands (VI). Participants made the round trip to Sea Cows Bay as dawn broke on the coastal route.

Pleased with turnout- CIBC Caribbean Branch Manager

“We are thrilled with the turnout and the unwavering support from our participants and sponsors,” said Mr Fabian S. Devonish, Branch Manager, Retail, Platinum and Business Banking and Walk Manager, CIBC Caribbean, according to a press release from the bank.

He said events such as these not only raise funds but awareness about cancer and the importance of support from the community.

Participants of all ages woke up early to join the walk including the Phillips’ three generations of walkers. One member said they joined to honour their stepmother who passed away from the disease while another remembered her best friend who passed away from breast cancer.

More than a walk- BVICS President

“The CIBC Caribbean Walk for the Cure is more than just a walk; it is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the community in the face of cancer,” said Ms Gloria A. Fahie, President of the BVI Cancer Society.

She said the society is deeply grateful for the continued support and community involvement.

Meanwhile, Governor Daniel Pruce commended the efforts of both the bank and the cancer society in organising the walk.

“Cancer is such a terrible condition; every effort the community can make in tandem with all the other partners has got to be positive. It’s part of the global effort to fight the disease and ultimately defeat it,” Governor Pruce said.

More fundraising events to come

The annual Walk for the Cure is just one of five events organised by the bank in collaboration with the cancer society this year to raise funds for the BVICS, whose target this year was set at seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000).

Preceding awareness events were the Sip and Paint for the Cure, the Hike for the Cure, and the Hunt for the Cure.

The final event, a Sunset Cruise for the Cure facilitated by Metro Tours and Cruises, is carded for Saturday, October 12. The party boat, M/V PlayTime featuring DJs Push Pop and Carly Cartel, departs the Cyril B Romney Tortola Pier Park at 6:00 p.m. and returns at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $100 each and include drinks and light hors d'oeuvres.

The funds raised through these events along with those donated by generous local sponsors, are used to provide assistance, care and counselling to patients and their families as well as to raise awareness and stress the importance of early detection, through education campaigns.

This year, a portion of the funds will also be used towards a data collection and analysis initiative undertaken in partnership with the BVICS and conducted by the Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit within Public Health.

According to the press release the Walk for the Cure is the largest fundraiser to benefit the BVICS in its efforts to combat cancer in the community. In 2023, the initiative raised $62,525.