By Kisean Joseph
CIBC Caribbean’s 13th annual Walk for the Cure took a new direction this year, focusing on family participation and community engagement. The event, which took place on Saturday to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer support, witnessed an overwhelming turnout.
Ladesa James-Williams, Country Manager at CIBC Caribbean, expressed her delight at the event’s success. “It was a fabulous event. I’ve had so many people reach out on Sunday and today thanking us for raising awareness, thanking us for raising funds for breast friends and the Oncology Department at the hospital. And for, yes, having a family event that they could bring all their children.”
The event’s family-centered approach proved to be a hit, with schools playing a significant role in the turnout. “The first three school buses that came in rolled in full of children, which warmed my heart. So, the children were there in their numbers,” James-Williams noted.
The Walk for the Cure brought together a diverse group of participants, including cancer survivors, those currently battling the disease, and individuals who have lost loved ones to cancer.
“We had people fighting cancer there, people who have fought cancer and won the battle, people who have lost people to cancer, family members — still looking to show support to people fighting with cancer,” James-Williams said.
The event’s popularity led to an unexpected shortage of T-shirts, forcing organisers to dip into their auxiliary stock. This demand underscores the community’s enthusiastic support for the cause.
CIBC’s commitment to social responsibility extends beyond this single event. The bank is currently nominated for four ECCB Bank of the Year Awards, including Social Corporate Responsibility and James-Williams shared her perspective on the bank’s community-focused approach: “We really make it a business to give back, if that makes sense. You know, it’s more than being, in life, you have to have a reason to wake up. And we are a bank that is very much focused on relationships, partnership, making your dreams a reality.”
She stressed the importance of community involvement, saying: “We’re Antiguans and Barbudans, we live here; we want to see the country develop, we want to see the country grow, but we also know that there are people less fortunate than ourselves. And so, week after week, month after month, we try to look at ways we can improve the lives of people and the communities at large.”
The Walk for the Cure is just one part of CIBC’s year-round efforts to support cancer awareness and treatment. The bank has a full calendar of events, including Hype for the Cure, Jam for the Cure, Raffle for the Cure, Music for the Cure, and a gala dinner. James-Williams explained, “Cancer doesn’t sleep and we don’t sleep either, so it’s a calendar of events.”
She also expressed her gratitude to all participants and sponsors, saying: “I want to thank everyone again for coming out on Saturday, and I don’t want to call all the sponsors; sponsors, you know who you are. You are such a tremendous support to CIBC Caribbean, but I have to single out again, INET, for putting that big bad truck on the road with the awesome music. It was so much fun!”
As CIBC Caribbean continues its efforts to support cancer awareness and treatment, the success of this year’s family-centered Walk for the Cure sets a new standard for community engagement and fundraising. With ongoing events throughout the year, the bank remains committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those affected by cancer in Antigua and Barbuda.