Gib International Bank donates £20,000 to Cancer Relief emergency fund

The Gibraltar International Bank donated £20,000 to Cancer Relief Gibraltar’s emergency fund appeal.

The charity is seeking £100,000 to be able to cover its running costs after it has seen a dramatic drop in donations since the start of the Covid-19 crisis.

Lawrence Podesta, CEO at Gibraltar International Bank, said the “extent of disruption caused by the Covid-19 virus has no limits”.

“The article in the press by the Charity announcing the launch of a fundraising initiative as a result of the decline in donations since the virus struck, prompted the Bank to make a contribution to this worthy cause,” Mr Podesta said.

“As Gibraltar’s community bank, we are more than pleased to be able to assist this charity which means so much to so many people and take this opportunity to thank all those who work so hard to keep it running for the benefit of cancer patients.”

Marisa Desoiza, Cancer Relief’s Chairperson, expressed her delight and gratitude for this generous contribution to the charity’s work.

In an interview with the Chronicle this week, Mrs Desoiza said that the coronavirus crisis has increased the level of anxiety and fear felt by patients with cancer and their families, which have further been heightened because of the effect of social isolation and social distancing.

“This means that patients and their loved ones need Cancer Relief now, more than ever,” she said.
“The charity remains committed to supporting them. We will ensure that we offer continuity of the care to those affected by cancer in our community, not just now but into the future.”

“This substantial donation from the Gibraltar International Bank will help us to do just that and for this Cancer Relief is extremely grateful.”