CIBC Caribbean has named Catherine Edmund of Seaview Estate, Ciceron, its 2026 Unsung Hero for Saint Lucia, recognising her quiet and consistent service to children and her wider community.
Edmund, 31, was celebrated at an intimate dinner on Sunday evening, attended by her family, school principals with whom she has partnered, and CIBC Caribbean executives.
At the heart of Edmund’s volunteer work is Birthday Fairies, an initiative she founded with her sister Maria in January 2023 to create memorable birthday experiences for children whose families may not have the financial means to provide them.
Working with schools, Birthday Fairies transforms classrooms into themed celebrations, providing treats for the entire class and a specially selected gift for the birthday child based on information provided by teachers. The initiative has reached children at Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School, Bexon Infant School, Ciceron Primary School and other schools.
Her community service extends beyond Birthday Fairies. As a member of the Pantastic Muzik steel orchestra, Edmund has helped provide meals during long rehearsals and has gone out of her way to ensure fellow musicians get home safely after practices. She is also an active member of the Ciceron Youth Development Group, supporting community activities and outreach programmes.
CIBC Caribbean Country Manager Nigel Ollivierre said Edmund’s relative youth makes the breadth of her contribution particularly encouraging.
“There is something especially heartening about seeing a young woman of Catherine’s age already so deeply committed to giving of herself to others. It tells us that the tradition of community service is not disappearing; it is being carried forward by another generation,” he said.
Ollivierre said Edmund’s work also speaks to an idea at the heart of the Unsung Heroes programme – the proverbial village that helps to raise a child. That community dynamic, long important in Caribbean society, is increasingly valuable at a time when children are exposed to powerful external influences, including social media, the internet and values and behaviours originating far beyond their immediate communities.
“Catherine is showing these children what ‘the village’ feels like. Someone who is not their parent sees them, cares enough to show up and creates a moment in which the people around them celebrate them. She is helping to keep the village alive – and that is something worth recognising,” he added.
Edmund said she regarded the award as recognition not only of her own efforts, but of the people who have supported her service.
“I feel extremely honoured and grateful to be recognised as a CIBC Caribbean Unsung Hero. While I am the one receiving this recognition, what I do would not be possible without God and the support of my family, friends and community, and the many people who have helped Birthday Fairies and my other community work along the way,” she said.
She encouraged others not to underestimate the difference they too can make, adding “I hope this recognition encourages others to reach out and lend a hand whenever they can. I have seen for myself that even the smallest gestures and acts of kindness can bring the biggest smiles.”
Edmund was selected by a local judging panel comprising Susanna Gurley and Ronald Hinkson. As Saint Lucia’s national Unsung Hero, she receives US$5,000 to support her philanthropic work.
Her national selection also placed her in the pool for consideration for the Regional Unsung Hero title. The CIBC Caribbean Saint Lucia team has since learned that Edmund is among the top three regional finalists, with the Regional Unsung Hero and two runners-up to be announced at an awards ceremony in Barbados on Saturday, September 19.
The Unsung Heroes programme is one of CIBC Caribbean’s flagship corporate social responsibility initiatives. First launched in 2003 and relaunched in 2025, it recognises individuals undertaking outstanding voluntary work in their communities, including social programmes, environmental initiatives and mentorship, as well as acts of heroism, bravery or extraordinary kindness.