The BVI Cancer Society recently received a cheque valued $35,000 from the CIBC First Caribbean Bank Tortola Branch, which were proceeds from the bank’s successful 2021 Walk for the Cure event.
The cheque was received by the President of the BVI Cancer Society Ms. Gloria Fahie during a small handover ceremony which was held on Wednesday January 19.
Speaking during the ceremony, the bank’s Branch Manager Fabian Devonish said that their contribution to the Cancer Society has been increasing over the years, but the decision to hold more fundraising events in 2021 paid off and delivered unprecedented numbers.
He said, “Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the bank was able to host a smaller, socially distanced walk and received contributions from its regular sponsors to raise a total of $9,000 for the BVI Cancer Society.”
“In 2021, we decided to expand our activities and start the community outreach and fund-raising efforts earlier in the year. We kicked off with the Men in Pink event at the Tortola Pier Park in June and followed up with the popular Hunt for the Cure car rally in September. In October, we hosted a 200-strong, socially distanced walk to close out our 2021 Walk for the Cure events,” he added.
Meanwhile, President Fahie thanked CIBC First Caribbean for their continuous donation to the charitable organisation over the years.
She said the donations from the bank and other corporate organisations assist in helping many residents recover from cancer.
“This handover is a milestone for us. It is also a great philanthropic demonstration from First Caribbean Bank, who has been an ardent supporter of the BVI Cancer Society for many years. We see this handover as an illustration of how important and essential corporate support is to the execution of nonprofit causes in the territory,” she stated.
She added, “As President of the BVI Cancer Society I am sure all of our members will agree with me when I say that we are glad that a few years ago First Caribbean, who has a reputation of community building both locally and regionally decided to join our cause and be part of the BVI’s fight against cancer. They took the cause and literally walked and ran with it. They are our partners; and now each year as we plan our October month of activities we can rely on First Caribbean playing a part.”