THE fifth year of the CIBC FirstCaribbean Walk for the Cure saw not only an increase in support from both sponsors and participants, but an expansion of the walk to the south of the island.
In Vieux Fort, last Sunday, approximately 150 participants gathered to show their support for those in the fight against cancer.
Participants of all age groups completed the first ever Walk for the Cure in Vieux Fort, which took them from the starting point at the George Odlum Stadium, through La Ressource, along the Vieux Fort-Laborie Highway to conclude at the CIBC FirstCaribbean Vieux Fort Branch.
Prizes and recognition were given to those who completed the walk in record time from various categories, and there was a raffle in which all participants were automatically entered. Following the prize giving ceremony there was an exciting Zumba session for those who still had energy to burn.
Beyond the public show of solidarity and support, participants made monetary donations and contributions throughout the month of October, which will be presented to Faces of Cancer and the Saint Lucia Cancer Society.
Over the years, these organisations have actively raised the level of public awareness of cancer in Saint Lucia and assisted individuals and families affected by cancer, by facilitating cancer treatment, care and support.
The Walk for the Cure is now in its fifth year within the region, and in the first four years raised an approximate US$800,000 to support critical cancer care, purchase vital equipment necessary to treat patients and host general education programmes to create greater awareness of the disease across the region. This year, the bank aims to far exceed last year’s total of US $400,000 and raise a collective half a million (US$500,000) across the Caribbean through the walk and fund-raising initiatives.