Breast Screening Programme receives over $200 000

CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank has handed over BDS$214 000 raised through the Walk for the Cure initiative to the Barbados Cancer Society’s Breast Screening Programme to continue the fight against the disease, which causes the death of one woman in Barbados per week.

Managing Director, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, Donna Wellington, handed over the cheque to the Medical Co-ordinator of the Breast Screening Programme, Dr. Shirley Hanoman-Jhagaroo, during a donation ceremony, held at the Radisson Aquatica, on Tuesday.

The Bank’s Managing Director, Retail & Business Banking and Co-Chair of Walk for the Cure, Mark St. Hill, said the bank’s involvement in the anti-cancer fight is replicated across the network of countries where the bank has a presence and also in Canada, where CIBC first became involved more than 20 years ago.

St. Hill said the bank is determined to make a difference, and the commitment to the project which employees have exhibited over the years is nothing short of remarkable, as workers volunteer their time in addition to having to carry out their regular work-related duties.

He acknowledged the excellent work of Walk Manager for Barbados, Krystle Maynard, and the Barbados Organising Committee, who together with the National Walk for Cancer Organising Committee of the Breast Screening Programme, raised the BDS$214 000, and motivated over 18 000 Barbadians to come out and walk on October 1.

This year, the bank fell short of its regional target, raising just under US$450 000, due to the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which devastated several Caribbean territories where FirstCaribbean was forced to halt their campaigns in September.

“Here in Barbados, we have developed a very special relationship with the Breast Screening Programme of the Barbados Cancer Society. Dr. Jhagroo and her team have become like family to us, and every year that relationship gets stronger and those in Barbados in need are the beneficiaries.

“Another important part of the relationship is you – our sponsors. Many of you have already signalled your intention to become involved again. If you haven’t quite made up your mind, I urge you to consider the impact your donation will make on the life of someone who is facing what is perhaps the biggest challenge of their life. Anything we can do to make their burden lighter is a great thing, I assure you,” St. Hill said. (AH)