RBC Race for the Kids raises over $21k

(CMR) RBC Royal Bank (Cayman) raised over USD $21,000 at the first-ever in-person RBC Race for the Kids (RFTK) in the Cayman Islands on Sunday. The money will go towards the Alex Panton Foundation’s financial assistance program, which funds counseling and mental health therapy services for Caymanian children and youth in need.

It was a sea of blue as almost 500 participants and volunteers donned Team RBC RFTK t-shirts – running, jogging, walking, or strolling the beautiful Camana Bay 5 KM course. 

RBC’s Area Vice President – Personal Banking and Country Head, Cayman Islands, Ericka Rolle, was thrilled not only by the community and corporate participation but with the outstanding RBC employee turnout.

Rolle expressed, “It’s moments like this that make me proud to represent RBC not only with exceptional financial products and services but by living our Purpose: to help clients thrive and communities prosper.” 

“I am pleased to share that the funds raised by this RBC Race for the Kids event will benefit the Alex Panton (APF), a Non-Profit Organisation dedicated to raising awareness of mental health issues affecting children and young adults in the Cayman Islands. The funds raised will go directly to the foundation’s Financial Assistance Program and will result in a positive difference for  Caymanian youth – helping them find peace and hope as they navigate their mental health challenges,”  Rolle said.

RBC employee Gemma Mclaughlin has seen the positive impacts of the Alex Panton Foundation in the life of her own child, who was diagnosed with ADHD and a severe mood disorder in 2020. Mclaughlin shared, “With the aid of APF, my 6-year-old son Caleb received the therapy he needed, and as a result, he is much happier and better equipped to handle his mental health challenges today.”   

All participants were gifted medals upon completing the race. The participants enjoyed warm-up and cool-down exercises, as well as face painting and balloon creations for the kids. 

This year’s sponsors included: RBC Wealth Management, Dominion Securities, Celebrations Ltd.,  Camana Bay, Foster’s, Lobster Pot, Starbucks, and Vampt Motors. Kelly Holding was the race coordinator.  

RBC Race for the Kids is a global series of charitable running events benefiting children and youth-focused causes. To date, the series has seen over 360,000 participants who have collectively raised more than CAD $82 million. In the Caribbean, these community-building races take place due to efforts and enthusiasm of individuals, RBC employees, and community organizations in  Barbados, The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, and in Cayman.