In a significant boost to cancer care initiatives, CIBC Caribbean has contributed $89,135 to support oncology services in Saint Lucia through its annual Walk for the Cure fundraising campaign. The substantial donation was formally presented during a ceremony on February 26, marking another milestone in the bank’s long-standing commitment to healthcare advocacy.
The contribution will be equally distributed between two established charitable organizations: the Saint Lucia Cancer Society and Faces of Cancer Saint Lucia. Both groups have demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in channeling resources toward practical patient support and awareness programs.
Dorothy Phillip, founder of Faces of Cancer Saint Lucia, expressed profound gratitude for CIBC’s sustained partnership. She highlighted several impactful initiatives made possible through this collaboration, including the distribution of therapeutic companion dolls to chemotherapy patients. The organization additionally provides essential comfort items, enhances advocacy outreach, and refines its community health fair drive that offers complimentary cancer screenings.
Alyson Chester, President of the Saint Lucia Cancer Society, detailed how these funds directly impact patient care. Financial assistance programs and critical accessories—including wigs, breast prostheses, specialized lip balms, post-mastectomy pillows, and free mammograms—are made available to those undergoing treatment.
Nigel Ollivierre, CIBC Caribbean Country Head, emphasized the universal relevance of cancer prevention. “None of us can confidently claim immunity from this disease, either personally or among loved ones. This sobering reality is precisely why our walk remains a national commitment,” he stated.
The 2025 campaign dramatically surpassed its $80,000 target, building on the previous year’s achievement of $63,008. Ollivierre credited this success to widespread community participation, noting: “This accomplishment belongs to every sponsor who contributed financially, every staff member who organized fundraisers, every partner who walked with us, and every supporter across Saint Lucia.
Major sponsors included Windjammer Landing, Johnsons Hardware, Sandals Resorts, Heineken Saint Lucia, LUCELEC, and several other prominent local businesses.
Coinciding with the donation handover, CIBC Caribbean announced the launch of its 2026 Walk for the Cure campaign, which will commemorate the event’s 15th anniversary. The upcoming walk is scheduled in two segments: the northern leg on October 4 and the southern leg on October 18.
Alisa Alcindor, CIBC Caribbean Business Support Officer, extended an invitation to potential sponsors and participants: “We encourage everyone to match—or exceed—the generosity shown last year as we embark on this crucial journey toward enhanced cancer care.”