ICWI PINK RUN exceeds JM$5M target by 200%

The months leading up to the Pink Run were all abuzz with planning efforts to bring back the ICWI Pink Run in a big way, and the planning committee comprised of Patrick Williams, Samantha Samuda, Valerie Reynolds, Margaret Clarke-Peryer, and members of the Jamaica Reach to Recovery team did not disappoint.

The annual Pink Run was back after a two year hiatus due to the Pandemic. The initiative is one of the major calendar events of Jamaica Reach to Recovery (Jr2R), the breast cancer support arm of the Jamaica Cancer Society.

For the month of October, the world ushered in breast cancer awareness month. Jamaicans were called to be mindful of the alarming reality that one in every 20 women in Jamaica is expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer at least once in their lifetime. Even though breast cancer is largely a curable disease, thanks to increased early detection and treatment, the quality of life of breast cancer patients has become an important area of focus. Survivors need a personalized, tailored approach and follow-up care to ensure their recovery, this can be a significant stretch on the financial resources of the survivor. Additional support services are needed to cushion the demands that are left on survivors and their families.

Through the work of the Jamaica Reach to Recovery (JR2R), numerous women now have the support they need to survive a breast cancer diagnosis. For the past 19 years, the JR2R has relied on the annual five-kilometre Pink Run charity event to finance its work and ensure that the women who are already fighting breast cancer can have the lifesaving tests and treatments for their members.

The Insurance Company of the West Indies (ICWI) has been title sponsor of the Pink Run since 2015 and has donated over $10 million and helped to raise over $20 million. All funds raised from the Run go directly to JR2R.

Paul Lalor, President of the ICWI, is supportive of the initiative because it seeks to improve the quality of life of survivors.

“I have seen first-hand the effects and the strain that this disease places on families. We are not immune to the impact this disease has on women, and on the family members who must make sacrifices to prolong the lives of those they love. As corporate citizens, it feels right to support our women; when we support our women, we support families,” continues Lalor.

This year the run was a huge success, indicating that Jamaicans are ready to hit the road again and support a good cause. According to Mrs. Samuda, “When the planning started many months ago, we were cognizant of the fact that Covid was still around, and that people may not come out to support a large event. This is why the decision was made to not only change venue, but the format of the race from ‘chip-timed’ to a “family fun run”, and this was probably the best decision we ever made. Support for the ICWI Pink Run started off with a bang at the press conference which was held in September; the buzz around town was that the Pink Run was going to be big this year.”

The turnout on race day did not disappoint, with over 6000 registrations and overwhelming support from corporate Jamaica, donors and numerous schools that took part. The ICWI Pink Run reported a record breaking contribution of over JM$10 million in net proceeds raised from the 20th staging on October 30th at Hope Gardens.

“Our teams were laser focused on ensuring we met the JM$5 million target needed for Reach to Recovery to continue to lend support to persons battling breast cancer; but this news is phenomenal. It marks the largest amount raised in a single year for this worthy cause,” professed President of ICWI, Paul Lalor.

Carolind Graham, chair of JR2R shared Mr. Lalor’s sentiment and added, “The sum was achieved through the registration of over 6,000 persons, sponsorship from a number of companies, donations from the public, and profits from fundraising merchandise sold. Our hearts are full and we are grateful and ready to continue the work we do through a spirit of volunteerism.”

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the funds raised this year, combined with ICWI’s contribution signals some JM$27 million raised since 2015 when the insurance company took on the reins of the Run.

Vice President of ICWI and Head of the Pink Run Planning Committee, Samantha Samuda expressed that corporate sponsorships are necessary to the success of JR2R, as they have a significant impact on the lives of hundreds of breast cancer warriors in significant ways. “ICWI along with our other corporate sponsors will continue to support this organisation because the work they do is so vital to so many persons battling this dreadful disease. We also urge Jamaicans at home and abroad to donate whatever they can, whenever they can. The donation portal on the Reach To Recovery website will remain open all year round.”

The Pink Run Secretariat is anticipating that the family fun run, which raised just over JM$5 million at its last staging in 2019, should witness in excess of the 7,000 registrants in 2023.

“We did quite a few things differently this year and we see where there is room for improvement. Our teams have already started to plan with these challenges in mind so they are ironed out ahead of next year’s event, and we continue to build on the momentum of last year’s event. There is no doubt that the Pink Run will continue to grow, and maintain that fun family feel.”

Chairperson of Jamaica Reach To Recovery (JR2R), Carolind Graham (2nd from right) and (from left) Chairperson of the ICWI Foundation, Valerie Reynolds and ICWI's VP of Marketing, HR and Distribution, Samantha Samuda along with ICWI's VP of Strategic Planning, Information Technology & Risk Management, Patrick Williams share a celebratory moment during a symbolic cheque handover of $1M during the launch of the 2022 ICWI Pink Run held at Toyota Jamaica on September 7.