Organizers of this year’s “Walk for the Cure’’ fundraiser in Grenada have set major goals for the event, which will be held on October 12. CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank (CIBC-FCIB) is the main sponsor of the private sector-led initiative that raises funds to combat cancer.

Nigel Ollivierre, Country Manager of CIBC-FCIB, says they are “aiming big’’, expecting to better last year’s event in terms of number of participants and the amount of money raised.

“We hope that after having about 500 persons in 2018, we would want to register 750 persons in 2019,’’ Ollivierre said at a news conference launching this year’s “Walk for the Cure’’.

“We would like to raise EC$50,000 compared to EC$48,000 in 2018.’’

The recipients of last year’s funds included the Grenada Cancer Society and the Pink Ribbon Society.

“Walk for the Cure’’ 2019 is also being held against the backdrop of the death and funeral of haematologist Dr Barry McBarnette, a former president of the Cancer Society.

“We’re looking forward in his name to make this the best year ever,’’ said Ollivierre, who recalled handing over a “modest cheque’’ from the fundraiser to Dr McBarnette and the Cancer Society in 2013 and witnessing how “appreciative’’ the late doctor was “that we can give money, which generally is difficult to come by, to advance the cause; and how the Cancer Society would be able to help persons in terms of early detection and treatment’’.

“Walk for the Cure’’ in Grenada, now in its seventh year, is part of a region-wide event spearheaded by CIBC-FCIB.

“Every penny that you give it’s helping to bring forth and make a difference in the lives of cancer patients, survivors and their families and that’s something that all should be proud of,’’ Ollivierre said.

“Walk for the cure is more than just a fundraiser; it is answering the call to be our brother’s keeper,’’ he added. “It is about providing comfort and care to many whose lives are ravished by this disease. It is also about education and early detection. It is about saving lives.’’

Ollivierre appealed to Grenadians to register for the October 12 “Walk for the Cure’’ at the cost of $30, as well as to purchase T-shirts.

The day’s event begins at 3 p.m. with children attractions and also breast and prostate screening for adults at the Moon Rouge Playing Field.

The walk starts at 4.30 p.m. with participants travelling along Grand Anse main road to Kirani James Boulevard, Port Highway and finishing at the Roy St John Recreation Ground in Tanteen.

The Recreation Ground will be lit and a mini-concert will be staged. “The evening is anticipated to be an enjoyable one; a family affair, a community affair,’’ Ollivierre promised.

He said consideration is being given to holding year-round fundraisers in support of the fight against cancer.

“While we have done well, there’s a lot of work to be done considering the magnitude of the impact of cancer. I’m thinking we start a sort of soft launch of the program in about June, and then we accelerate the activities into September/October. I’m thinking here that this is something that probably deserves more attention throughout the year,’’ said Ollivierre.  

“This is such a dreaded disease, and so impacts lives so profoundly, that it needs more attention throughout the year. We need to be fighting this thing all the time.’’

CIBC-FCIB is joined as sponsors of the 2019 “Walk for the Cure’’ by Country Cold Store; Andall & Associates; Jonas Browne & Hubbards Grenada (Limited); Spiceisle Fish House; Duty-free Caribbean; A-Class Services; Pan American Life Insurance; National Lotteries Authority; Sol EC; George F. Huggins & Co. Ltd.; Grensure Fire and General Insurance; Leslie’s Agency; Grenada Cooperative Nutmeg Association; Visual Solution; Concept Autos; Unique Vacation Limited; The Computer Store; Hippos Tires; Modern photo Studios; Blue Bubbles; St Augustine Medical Services; and Grenada Bottling Company Ltd.