BAHAMAS: November 9th, 2019 new date set for CIBC FirstCaribbean ‘Walk for the Cure’

Nassau, Bahamas, September 25^th, 2019 – As a result of the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s eighth annual cancer care fundraiser, “Walk for the Cure,” has changed from its regular date of October 5 to Saturday November 9, 2019.

CIBC FirstCaribbean Customer Experience Officer and Walk Manager Kizzanae Arthur explained that “in light of the recent impact of Hurricane Dorian, CIBC FirstCaribbean has decided to reschedule our ‘Walk for the Cure’ as we focus our attention on relief efforts. We’re aware of the ways many of our staff from our Abaco and Grand Bahama branches have been affected and the toll Dorian’s impact is having on them, our clients, and The Bahamas as a whole.”

CIBC FirstCaribbean officially launched this year’s “Walk for the Cure” campaign in August at Café Channing Noelle at Caves Village when an October date was given for the three “Walks” in Nassau, Grand Bahama, and Abaco. However, due to the disruption of Hurricane Dorian, only the Nassau “Walk” will now be held. The new date for the New Providence walk is Saturday, November 9, at 6:30am at the Goodman’s Bay Corporate Center.

Vice President of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas (CSOB) Rochelle Wilkinson, who attended the “Walk for the Cure” launch, said, “Cancer spares nobody, and we never know who’s going to be next. Therefore, we’re happy for initiatives like the walk that enable us to provide our services to people to alleviate some of the stress that would be associated with taking treatment.”

Helen Rolle, Secretary of the Sister, Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, added, “In our organizations, you always wonder where the next dollar will come from, but we thank God for people who support causes like the ‘Walk for the Cure;’ because of them we’re able to extend a ray of hope to the wider community.” 

“Walk for the Cure” is CIBC FirstCaribbean’s largest cancer fundraising and educational initiative. The funds are used to provide assistance, care, and counseling to patients and their families, and also to raise awareness and stress the importance of early detection through education campaigns. At the launch, Managing Director (Bahamas & TCI) Marie Rodland-Allen announced the bank’s goal to surpass its 2018 total of $90,000 and raise $100,000 for cancer treatment and awareness throughout The Bahamas with this year’s walk.

“That is still our goal,” CIBC Walk Manager Kizzanae Arthur said. “Fundraising efforts are still ongoing and we’re not slowing down. The eighth annual ‘Walk for the Cure’ is moving full-steam ahead, and we want all our loyal supporters to join us again this year on November 9 for a family affair, with activities, music, prizes, and various health and food vendors on site. You can visit any CIBC FirstCaribbean branch to sign up; or contact 302-6036 or 302-6085 for more information.”

Release: CIBC FirstCaribbean

Photo Caption: CIBC FirstCaribbean officially launched their eighth annual “Walk for the Cure” campaign at corporate sponsor Café Channing Noelle in Caves Village, Nassau. The walk is now set for November 9, 2019. L to R: Kizzanae Arthur, CIBC FirstCaribbean Customer Experience Officer and Walk Manager; Rochelle Wilkinson, Vice President of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas; Marie Rodland-Allen, CIBC FirstCaribbean Managing Director (Bahamas & TCI); Loretta Thomas, owner of Café Channing Noelle, Walk for the Cure corporate sponsor; and Helen Rolle, Secretary of the Sister, Sister Breast Cancer Support Group.

Photo credit: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry