RBC Race for the Kids raises over $21k

RBC Royal Bank (Cayman) raised over USD $21,000 for the Alex Panton Foundation’s Financial Assistance Programme, which funds counselling and mental health therapy services for Caymanian children and youth in need.

Almost 500 people participated in the event on Sunday, which marked the first ever in-person RBC Race for the Kids (RFTK) in Cayman.

It was a sea of blue as 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.”

Rolle went on to say, “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 Programme and will result in a positive difference for Caymanian youth - helping them find peace and hope as they navigate their mental health challenges.”

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 News Release 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 co-ordinator.

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 in no small part due to efforts and enthusiasm of individuals, RBC employees and community organizations in Barbados, The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago and in Cayman.