ICWI PUMPS $1.5 MILLION INTO Pink Run
THE INSURANCE Company of the West Indies (ICWI) increased its sponsorship of the ICWI/Jamaica Reach to Recovery Pink Run to $1.5 million from $1 million for the 2018 staging slated for Sunday, October 28.
According to ICWI Foundation chairperson Valerie Reynolds, the growth in sponsorship represents ICWI’s ongoing commitment to giving more persons affected by breast cancer a fighting chance to surviving the disease.
“As the title sponsor of the run for the last four years, we have had a first-hand view of how critical the funds raised prove to be as they provide well-needed assistance so we knew it was necessary to increase the financial support we contribute to this cause,” Reynolds explained.
Over $3 million was raised for the 2017 staging, with an estimated 100 persons assisted through the beneficiary of the funds raised, Jamaica Reach To Recovery. Jamaica Reach to Recovery is an affiliate of the Jamaica Cancer Society that offers emotional psychological and financial support to breast cancer survivors. The organisation consists of volunteers who are breast cancer survivors.
Vice-president of ICWI and chairperson of the Pink Run Samantha Samuda said that the planning committee is aiming to raise $6 million and register 5,000 participants as they target helping an additional 100 persons through this fundraiser.
“We are using the run to promote awareness of breast cancer as Ministry of Health statistics show that one in 21 Jamaican women are affected by this disease. We are also aiming to increase participation and funds raised to continue the conversation around the disease, how it can be prevented, and the need for regular screenings,” Samuda added.
Chairperson of Jamaica Reach to Recovery Carolind Graham applauded ICWI for their commitment to the cause. She also expressed gratitude for the continued support from corporate Jamaica and citizens who have participated over the 18 years of it being staged.
“Witnessing the growth of this event has been heart-warming as it facilitated our organisation extending a helping hand to a greater number of persons who are affected, so we thank each and every person who has donated their time or finances to the continued success of the run,” Graham said.
The ICWI/Reach to Recovery Pink Run is a themed 5K Run/Walk. Individuals and groups are encouraged to showcase their pink creativity with their outfits as there will be prizes for the best-dressed team and individual.
Registration is now open online for individuals and teams.