Last year, the event attracted 5000 participants and the bank anticipates 6000 when the run comes off on October 2. The allure lies in the fact that it is an all-female event and that it aims to raise awareness about breast cancer, one of leading cancers affecting women in Trinidad and Tobago. Commenting on the event’s popularity Benjamin said, “We get calls months in advance.” “We have a little group of survivors who participate every year.” The 5K is not just for runners. Anyone can participate even if that means strolling or walking briskly. Benjamin says the 5K is ideal because it is a short, manageable distance and it promotes a healthy lifestyle, which is essential to combating cancer.
Registration for the event is $40 and $95 with a limited edition commemorative T-Shirt. Monies raised through registration are used solely for Scotiabank’s breast cancer fund, which finances screenings throughout the country as well as mammograms and ultrasounds if needed. “We partner with health centres and specialist clinics and based on the recommendations of doctors and nurses some women may need a mammogram or an ultrasound. We pay for that. If a mass is discovered we pay for counselling as well,” says Benjamin, stating that the screening clinics are usually oversubscribed.
Based on the reports from these clinics, 11,500 women have, to date, screened for breast cancer but the bank is trying to reach even more women, particularly those in rural areas. Benjamin says they want the screening clinics to go deeper into these areas to reach women who would not ordinarily be able to access these services. The bank is also using social networking sites such as Facebook to spread its message.
In addition to the 5K, Scotiabank also holds an annual golf tournament to raise money for the breast cancer fund. Since many men have asked to be included in the fund-raising efforts, the tournament will be open to men this year and corporate bodies will sponsor the teams. Benjamin says the bank also wants to bring back a free seminar, similar to the one they hosted some years ago, in which specialists in breast cancer treatments were brought to Trinidad to educate women on the disease.
To register for the Scotiabank Women Against Breast Cancer 5K Classic, please visit any Scotiabank branch (except Sales Centres) or Kenny’s Fitness Sports Centres, Chacon Street and Gulf City, La Romaine.
