The National Bank of Samoa (N.B.S.) staff and management raised $2000 tala last Friday as part of their fundraising to support the Samoa Cancer Society as well as raise awareness on cancer.

The donation from the staff and management is part of an annual charity event that is hosted by the bank every year. 

Last Friday the event was marked with a short prayer and followed by a ceremony at the bank's main branch in Apia.

Dr. Dyxon Hansell from the World Health Organisation (W.H.O.) Office in Samoa was the guest speaker and spoke about cancer awareness and how the disease has claimed many lives worldwide.

“Cancer is a disease that has been attributed to the loss of many lives over the years,” he said.

“It is our duty to spread the message and raise awareness on cancer so that it can be avoided by others in the future.”

The ceremony concluded with morning breakfast setup for all those in attendance. The NBS Chief Executive Officer Sam Swann was also in attendance as well as senior management and staff.

Mr Swann in short remarks said that the N.B.S is happy to lend a hand to the Samoa Cancer Society every year because they are supporting a good cause.

N.B.S. Head of Retail and spokesperson Darlene Savaiinaea told the Samoa Observer that the bank is determined to continue its support.

"Given the campaign for early detection and awareness, our bank has made it something we will continue to be part of each year, given the number of lives it has taken and the need for all of us to support," said Mrs. Savaiinaea-Wendt.

“Everyone has been affected one way or another through personal experiences or through the loss of loved ones to cancer. 

“The deadly sickness can be avoided if we learn about it early.

"It’s important for us to support one another and for us to help Samoa Cancer Society with the great work they are doing in combating all types of cancer.”

For bank staffer James Afito, the matter was personal for him as he lost one of his friends to lung cancer, which is why he has become an advocate of raising awareness about the disease.