GTT’s ‘Pinktober’ brings in $11M for Cancer Organisations

With thousands turning out to show their support for the signature “Pinktober” event, which was aimed at increasing awareness of breast cancer and pushing for more action to be taken in the fight against the disease, the initiative has helped to raise $11 million.
That amount will be distributed to at least five cancer-fighting organisations.
“Pinktober” was held in October and saw more than 5000 persons participating. It was one of the largest turnouts since the launch of the event a few years ago.
GTT Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Nedd expressed satisfaction with this year’s figures and encouraged more sponsors and members of the public to take part in the awareness walk.
“We need to do better as a country to help raise awareness of this deadly disease, statistics show that in every 10 women, at least four are affected by breast cancer, so our place is to help continue to raise funds so that tests and treatment can continue to be free and accessible,” Nedd explained.
Further, the local telecommunications giant’s CEO also thanked the members of the Guyana Cancer Foundation for the vital role they played in helping to promote the month-long activities associated with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“We do recognise the sacrifices you have made, and we are, therefore, aligning our efforts to make a great impact in this sector. It is very sad that women lose their lives every day in Guyana, because they can’t afford treatment.”
Nedd underscored that cancer in Guyana was undertreated – this he added was “unacceptable”.
GTT Marketing Manager Davi Sookdeo echoed similar sentiments and also encouraged greater participation from the general public and the Private Sector.
Meanwhile, Chief Financial Officer Mark Singh was happy to announce that the event this year raked in far more than last year’s.
The company also mentioned its plans to build an Oncology Department where persons suffering from the disease could be treated. It affirmed that come next year, “Pinktober” will be an event to which everyone looked forward.
The “Pinktober” breast cancer awareness initiative was first hosted in 2017 and raised almost $1.4 million, which was also donated to cancer-fighting institutes.
This year’s signature event – the inaugural Breast Cancer Awareness 5K walk and run and 10K run saw the turnout of more than 2000 participants.