RBC Royal Bank's employees are a testament to the tagline, Strength at Work for You. During the month of September, the organisation joined the international community in observing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness about the disease and celebrate with those who were successful in their fight against it. In a statement, RBC Royal Bank said that its employees in the region observed the annual, What a Difference a Day Makes campaign, undertaking various initiatives in support of children with cancer. The local leg of the annual Caribbean-wide campaign was held on September 11. Twenty-four "daring" RBC runners joined the T&T Road Runners Club for their inaugural 15 kilometre race, which began at the RBC Financial Caribbean head office in St Clair.
"Proving that they could go the distance for children with cancer, each participating RBC employee raised a minimum of $500 through pledges made by family members, friends and colleagues in support of the RBC/RBTT Caribbean Children's Cancer Fund. The contributions of the first ten runners were matched by the organisation and the initiative raised in excess of $30,000 for the fund," read the bank statement.
The bank credited Richard Downie, head of applications at RBC Financial (Caribbean) Ltd, with earning the most funds. "It is impossible for one person to do everything, but everyone can do something. The support I received from fellow colleagues, family members and friends made this contribution possible and we know that it will make a difference."
Ice-cream for a cause
Not to be left out of the race, RBC Royal Bank's branches embraced Childhood Cancer Awareness month, holding fundraisers of their own. The Pointe-a-Pierre branch's Hawaiian-themed social event earned $20,000. The team of Tropical Bankers, led by branch manager Ryan Rachpaul, celebrated with clients to the sounds of Danza Kuduro, and partied with the "One Island" girl, Nadia Batson. Other RBC Royal Bank branches embraced the challenge, including Trincity and Maraval. In addition to these activities, Cold Stone Creamery has also teamed up with RBC in a bid to support affected children and families in need. Ice-cream enthusiasts can purchase a black forest dream creation or a limited edition gift card valued at $25 to contribute to the fund.
The RBC/RBTT Caribbean Children's Cancer Fund was established in 2008 and functions in the territories in which RBC and RBTT operate. Since establishment, there has been an increase in the number of applications to the fund for financial assistance. The fund provides medical care and treatment to children under the age of 16 who have been diagnosed with cancer. The fund is also used to cover the cost of testing biopsy specimens.