Walk for the Cure beats target, raises $89,135 for cancer care

CIBC Caribbean has handed over an $89,135 donation to support cancer care in Saint Lucia, raised through its annual Walk for the Cure campaign.

The donation will be split between long-time charity partners, the Saint Lucia Cancer Society and Faces of Cancer Saint Lucia.

During the handover ceremony on February 26, Faces of Cancer Saint Lucia founder Dorothy Phillip thanked CIBC for its continued collaboration. She pointed to several initiatives supported by the partnership, including charity companion dolls distributed to patients undergoing chemotherapy. The organisation also provides comfort items to cancer patients, is executing plans to increase advocacy, and is refining its approach to its health fair drive which gives people access to free screenings.

Alyson Chester, president of the Saint Lucia Cancer Society, said donations go towards providing financial assistance and essential accessories for patients undergoing treatment, including wigs, breast prostheses, lip balms, post-mastectomy pillows and free mammograms.

“None of us can say with certainty that we or someone we love will not one day receive a diagnosis. That sobering truth is why this walk will remain a national commitment,” said Nigel Ollivierre, CIBC Caribbean Country Head.

Last year, the event raised $63,008. Ollivierre said 2025’s goal was $80,000, which the campaign exceeded. “This achievement belongs to every sponsor who wrote a cheque, every staff member who organised a fundraiser, every partner who laced up their sneakers, and every well-wisher of Saint Lucia.”

This year’s Walk for the Cure sponsors included Cap Maison, Lumnat Distributors Limited, ACADO, Sandals, KFC / Real Foods, Peter & Company Auto, Brice & Company, Baron Foods, CPJ Fresh Market, Windjammer Landings Resorts & Residences, Heineken St Lucia, CARASCO, ITEL, Johnsons, Automotive Art, JQ Motors Ltd, Massy Stores, Fuzion Mas Carnival Band, Island Style, Tenderoni Foods Ltd, Big Chef Steak House, Coal Pot Restaurant, J.E. Bergasse & Company Ltd., Unicomer, Forest Springs Water, and Ti Kaye Resort.

During Thursday’s handover, CIBC Caribbean announced the launch of its Walk for the Cure 2026 campaign, marking the event’s 15-year anniversary. Held in two parts, this year’s walk’s northern leg is scheduled for October 4 and the southern leg for October 18.

To potential sponsors and supporters, Alisa Alcindor, CIBC Caribbean Business Support Officer and Walk Manager said: “We’re inviting everyone to be just as generous as they were last year and even more generous as we go on our Walk for the Cure journey.”