CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank has positively impacted the work of several organisations and programmes, touching the lives of diverse beneficiaries as a result.

In its continuous efforts to give back to the communities in which it serves, the bank most recently made several presentations to assist organisations with advancing their work and responding to the needs of households vulnerable to fire, persons with chronic illnesses, and mothers in need of financial assistance.

The Praying Mother’s Ministries Network received funds which are being used to buy food and pay utilities bills of families in need. The ministry also plans to host a fundraising breakfast this month for back-to-school supplies. Founder and President, Francesca Cornibert, said the ministry’s greatest need was providing financially for mothers and it is exploring a business opportunity to help fulfil its mandate to provide prayer support to mothers as well as help them to meet their tangible and financial obligations.

In showing appreciation to the bank Ms. Cornibert said: “We express heartfelt thanks to CIBC FirstCaribbean for its generous contribution to our cause and wish the bank Gods’ richest blessings in all its business endeavours.”

The Barbados Fire Service was also thankful after it received monies to purchase 90 smoke alarms for distribution to vulnerable households throughout the island including those of elderly persons living alone and persons with disabilities. Mervin Mayers, Station Officer at Worthing, located a stone’s throw away from the bank’s Rendezvous office, said, “We’re very grateful for the donation from the bank. With the economic situation we have to find a way to help those in need.”

Speaking about the importance of the fire service’s outreach programme, to which the bank has contributed in the past, Station Officer Mayers said that with the installation of smoke alarms elderly persons and persons with disabilities were a little less vulnerable because their neighbours could also hear the alarm and offer assistance. Some of the alarms have already been distributed and installed.

Up to the end of June this year 56 calls to respond to house fires had been made to the fire service. This compares with 44 for the same period last year, Station Officer Mayers added.

CIBC FirstCaribbean also made a presentation to the Hope Foundation to assist in its work in educating patients and updating medical practitioners on the latest treatments and medication for the management of chronic illnesses such as lupus, arthritis and sickle cell anaemia. Stating that Barbados records the second highest incidence of Lupus in the world, President of the foundation, Shelley Weir, said this had reinforced the need for the foundation to continue its work. “If not for the ongoing support of entities like CIBC FirstCaribbean the Hope Foundation wouldn’t have survived for as long as it has. We’ve not escaped the axe due to the economic climate and our subvention was cut. So we’re truly thankful for the bank’s support.”

CIBC FirstCaribbean Managing Director, Barbados Donna Wellington said the bank was delighted to continue its outreach. “I think it’s become increasingly important for the bank to develop these relationships particularly as the need is becoming greater. Our programmes are not merely about donations but investing in people and their communities. We are genuinely happy to continue to do so.”