UNDER the theme “Walk for the Cure – because everyone knows someone”, CIBC FirstCaribbean and partners – Faces of Cancer and the Saint Lucia Cancer Society launched the 2019 edition of Walk For the Cure at the Harbor Club.
The kick-off of the event took place on Thursday 6th August with persons impacted or affected by cancer, sponsors and local celebrities at the forefront of the promotion of the walk with compelling personalized video testimonies.
CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Walk For the Cure has become the region’s largest cancer fundraising and awareness event. Saint Lucia’s northern and southern walks are carded for Sunday 6th October. The routes remain unchanged.
CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Country Manager Ladesa James-Williams said that across the bank’s 16-member footprint, year number eight is expected to surpass its target of USD$550 000. Over the last seven years the event has raised over USD$ 2.2million across the region with Saint Lucia contributing close to EC$500,000 of that total. EC$75,000 of that amount was raised in 2018 and channeled to persons living with cancer through the two local cancer advocacy and support organisations.
Mrs James-Williams cited partnerships as the single most effective element in the growth of Walk For The Cure. “This year, we have brought into the fold, groups and individuals whose networks are vast and whose mass appeal is high among young people”, she disclosed.
One such partner is Wavemaker Photography, through its principal James Adjodha, who will lead on a social media campaign driven by the hashtags #everyoneknowssoneone and #758walkforthecure. Through the personal testimonies, friends and family members will honour the memory of loved ones, share their survivors’ story and highlight the value of family and community support. Celebrity accounts will reinforce the importance of healthy lifestyles, personal responsibility and early detection.
Mrs James-Williams said this year’s national target is set at EC$100, 000, adding, “Despite last year’s financial success, we can do better by way of our walk numbers. We will all agree there are hundreds of reasons why, and many of these reasons are our spouses, parents siblings, children, friends, colleagues, and, neighbors, #everyoneknowssomeone.”
In issuing a plea of support to the entertainment sector, she also announced that this year well-known event promoters Epic Events, and two carnival bands – REDUNLIMITED through their foundation and JUST4FUN have collaborated with the walk and will be placing their platforms at the disposal of the walk.
They join a list of longstanding and new corporate partners: Harbor Club, Massy Stores, Digicel, RCI, Wavemaker Photography, Vybz Radio, Harris Paints, National Conservation Authority, SocaFit, Falcon Holdings, BDO, St Lucia International Financial Centre, Johnsons Hardware Ltd, Automotive Art (St Lucia) Ltd, Brice & Co Ltd, LUCELEC, WLBL – Piton Malta /Crystal Clear, Travel & Leisure Centre, Sea Island Cotton Shop, Courts/Unicomer, Touch Therapies Day Spa, Beat Envy and Vivre la Belle.
Registration is now open at CIBC FirstCaribbean branches islandwide, Massy Stores islandwide, The Cancer Society and Radio Caribbean International. Fundraising activities are ongoing with opportunities for public participation. The public is encouraged to deposit contributions in any amount at the Walk for the Cure donation tins at all bank branches, or via direct deposit to the Walk for the Cure, CIBC FirstCaribbean account # 106995550.