Collaboration with ATime4Us Foundation for Walk for The Cure 2016 Launched Press Release Basseterre, 19 May, 2016
– CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank came in for high commendation from the Minister of Health, Honourable Eugene Hamilton, for taking its corporate social responsibility seriously, and coming forward to partner with ATime4Us Foundation in the delivery of health care in the Federation.
Minister Hamilton spoke at the launch of the partnership between CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank and ATime4Us Foundation, for their 2016 Cancer Month fundraising activities. The main event being the bank’s annual Walk for The Cure held in October, will raise funds to aid in the development of The Cancer Center SKN.
Commenting on the bank’s commitment to supporting the fight against cancer, Manager Retail Banking and Operations/Country Lead, Mrs. Diane Francis said: “Cancer is a disease that has touched the lives of many of our staff, either personally, or through relatives and friends. At CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank our mission, through our Walk for The Cure, is to raise funds to build awareness, provide support to those who continue to fight this disease, and honour those we’ve lost within our Federation.”
Mrs. Francis also observed that over the past four years, the bank had donated the proceeds raised from the Walk for The Cure to several groups including Essence of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation, Pink Lilly, Reach for Recovery Support Group, Rotary Club of St. Kitts, and St. Kitts-Nevis Cancer Patients Assistance Fund. “Through these groups,” said Mrs. Francis, “many lives have been positively affected, as they run clinics for check-ups, and provide assistance for local and overseas care.”
Mrs. Connie Jaynes, President of ATime4UsFoundation, said that the foundation was pleased for the opportunity to partner with CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank in 2016. She applauded the bank for its tremendous contribution in the areas of cancer education, prevention, and treatment, and noted that these efforts also reflected the interests of ATime4Us.
“It is anticipated that the establishment of the treatment centre in the Federation would significantly decrease the costs to cancer patients, while providing enduring support and care to the citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis and to patients in neighboring islands,” says Mrs. Diane Francis, Manager Retail Banking and Operations/Country Lead.
“Our intent is not just to educate our communities on the symptoms and treatment of cancer. We are here to promote healthy lifestyles, as well; and while we work towards supporting those who seek a remedy for this disease, we also promote good health and encourage everyone to improve their dietary habits and to follow a consistent exercise routine,” Mrs. Francis added.
CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank’s Walk for the Cure is held simultaneously in 16 Caribbean countries. Staff join their colleagues in Canada who will be participating in the CIBC Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s Run for the Cure. Now in its 20th year, the event has raised millions of dollars for breast cancer research in Canada and is expected to raise around 20 million this year.
Last year, within the 16 Caribbean territories in which the bank operates, over 20,000 participants hit the streets during the walk weekend. Through numerous staff fundraising efforts and the extremely generous support from Sponsors, the bank was able to raise over USD $400,000 regionally for the cause, and a total of USD$800,000 over the last four years the walk was staged.
“This year, we are aiming higher and hope to raise $500,000 across the Caribbean and we are confident that we can do it with your help,” Mrs. Francis said confidently.
CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank continues to focus on giving back to the communities in the 16 countries in which it operates, by making tangible contributions in areas such as youth development and health at the national, regional and local levels, as part of its corporate social agenda.
ATime4Us Foundation, Inc., a charitable organization with operations in St. Kitts and the United States, is dedicated to providing access to health care and basic necessities to those who cannot afford them.
