A record turnout is expected for this year’s CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank’s Walk for the Cure.

The walk, which is the bank’s hallmark fund-raiser in the fight against cancer, takes place this Saturday, October 1, beginning at 3 p.m., and will see walkers moving from the bank yard on Halifax Street in Kingstown, and using the main road, travel to the roundabout in Arnos Vale, then back to the bank yard.{{more}}

Walk for the Cure project coordinator Jacintha Hinds said during a press briefing last week Thursday that things are in place for the walk, and that the organizers hope to have more than the over 200 persons who turned out last year.

Hinds indicated that there will be added attractions to the walk this year, and encouraged persons to turn out in their numbers for the fifth edition of the event.

“On our return to this venue, we will have a special warm down session by the BE FIT MOVEMENT, as well as a number of activities so that walkers can socialize some more, before heading to their respective homes.

“I want to take this opportunity to invite each and every one, young and old, to come out and be a part of this walk. We are looking forward to a record turnout this year,” Hinds stated.

Proceeds from the walk will be handed over to Project Pink, an organization formed to assist persons who are in some way affected by cancer.

Project Pink PRO Laferne Fraser, who spoke at the press launch, thanked CIBC FirstCaribbean for the gesture, and pointed out that funds raised by the organization will be used to focus on the breast cancer fight.

“CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank is doing something that is nothing short of extraordinary by being our platinum sponsor for Project Pink, and our thanks can’t be expressed enough because what you are doing is allowing us to make that significant donation and to save that life,” Fraser said.

“This year, we are focusing on breast cancer, next year we are focusing on prostate cancer because we are not just about breast cancer, we are a cancer movement and we are looking at cancers that affect our Vincentian nationals,” she added.

Also speaking at the event was André Cadogan, Retail Banking and Operations manager, who said that CIBC FirstCaribbean was pleased to be at the forefront of raising awareness of cancer and the importance of early detection both here in St Vincent and the Grenadines and across the Caribbean, and that the event is intended to bring people from all walks of life together for a common cause.

“Everyone somehow is affected by cancer, whether it is personally, or through a family member or other loved one, a friend or acquaintance – we know of someone who is affected by cancer of some sort. So, this disease and its effects are very real to us.

“We at CIBC FirstCaribbean have had our own up close and personal encounters with the disease as well. We have lost co-workers to cancer and because of this we are even more committed to raising awareness.

“I commend PROJECT PINK for the life-saving work that they are embarked on and urge more support for their work.”

Cadogan also reinforced that registration can be done online at

http://cibcfcibwalkforthecure.causevox.com.

This year, Walk for the Cure is being sponsored by Going Places, Flow, VISA, Tata Consultancy Services, Quick Cash, Arabesque, Mustique Company Limited, ECGC/JU-C, Tus-T Water and Harmony Investments.