In April of this year, a second tranche in the amount of $1.2 million was presented to Brian Lara, chairman of the Trinidad & Tobago Cancer Treatment Foundation, by RBTT Group Financial CEO, Suresh Sookoo. To date, the fund has assisted four children, two from Trinidad and Tobago, one from Grenada and one from the Bahamas. Currently, a 16-year-old girl from Dominica is receiving treatment in Trinidad for parosteal osteosarcoma, a type of bone tumour. Difference Day will also seek to ensure that people across the Caribbean become aware of the support that is available through the RBC/RBTT Caribbean Children’s Cancer Fund.
Young people 16 years and under who are diagnosed with cancer, and reside in the countries where RBC and RBTT operate, are eligible for treatment through the fund. Their parents or guardians are encouraged to apply for assistance through any RBC/RBTT branch. RBTT is also calling young artists across the Caribbean to Imagine a Caribbean Christmas in its first Regional Art Competition launched earlier this month for children ages seven-16 years. Successful entrants’ work will be used on promotional items, and proceeds from the sale of these items will go to the Cancer Fund. There will be one winner per age category in each jurisdiction.
Each winner will receive prizes valued at $1,000 and a special commemorative plaque. RBTT employees across the Caribbean continue to wear yellow polos in support of Casual Fridays for Kids with Cancer, meant to raise awareness amongst staff and RBC/RBTT customers.