Grill for the Cure Fires Up Community Support for Cancer Patients

The aroma of sizzling burgers and barbecue filled the parking lot of CIBC on Saturday, August 1, as staff came together for Grill for the Cure, a fundraising event dedicated to supporting the Cancer Society and helping individuals battling cancer.

The event is one of several initiatives organized by the CIBC Walk for the Cure team throughout the year to raise funds for cancer patients in need.

Ticore Seymour-Rigby, one of the walk managers for CIBC Walk for the Cure, said the fundraiser represents the organization's commitment to giving back to the community while strengthening its long-standing partnership with the Cancer Society.

"Today we have Grill for the Cure, where we're raising funds to assist the Cancer Society and provide support for patients dealing with all types of cancer," Rigby explained.

The barbecue offered something for everyone, with grilled chicken, ribs, burgers, hot dogs, roasted corn, baked macaroni, homemade lemonade, soft drinks, and bottled water all available for purchase. Every dollar raised during the event will be donated to the Cancer Society at the end of the fundraising season.

Grill for the Cure is one of four major fundraising activities planned by the CIBC Walk for the Cure team this year. The campaign began with Bake for the Cure, followed by Saturday's barbecue. Raffle for the Cure is scheduled next, before the team joins the annual Walk for the Cure alongside the Cancer Society.

According to Rigby, the organization has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the Cancer Society, but this year's campaign marks a significant expansion of its fundraising efforts.

"In previous years, Bake for the Cure was held inside the branch and mainly involved our staff," Rigby said. "This year, we wanted to do something bigger by bringing the public into our fundraising efforts. The more people who participate, the bigger the donation we'll be able to present to the Cancer Society."

The community's response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many visitors expressing surprise and appreciation for the bank's visible involvement in supporting the Cancer Society.

Rigby hopes this year's success will inspire even more community-centered events in the future, allowing the organization to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of cancer patients and their families.