On Sunday April 23, 2023, the streets of St. George were transformed into a sea of green as thousands participated in the 12^th Co-op Bank Pump it Up Family Fun Walk. This is the main feature of the Bank’s Healthier Lifestyles Programme, returning after a three-year break due to restrictions relating to COVID-19.  

After a short opening ceremony and warm-up session, the walk began promptly at 4:00 p.m. from the Morne Rouge playing field to the National Cricket Stadium.  While most participants took the normal route, others opted to tackle the challenge route up Lowther’s Lane, down Marrast Hill, through River Road, and on to the National Cricket Stadium.

Co-op Bank has been collaborating with corporate Grenada since 2017 to raise $500,000 for the benefit of one major sustainable initiative – the re-establishment of the Carlton Home. Speaking to participants during the closing ceremony of the 2023 Pump it Up Family Fun Walk at the National Cricket Stadium, Mr. Larry Lawrence, Managing Director of Co-op Bank, announced that the Bank will be making its largest contribution to date of $43,000 for the Grenada event. The amount was presented to Mr. Kevin Andall, Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Wellness and Religious Affairs in the Ministry of Health, the ministry with which the Bank has been working closely for this project. When combined with contributions from Carriacou, a total of $50,070 was raised by the Bank in 2023.

Mr. Lawrence further stated that with the Bank’s contribution and pledges made by benefactors the total amount secured towards this project is approximately $488,800, just $11,200 shy of the targeted $500,000. Mr. Lawrence indicated that the funds secured will continue to be managed by the Board of Trustees made up of the three (3) initial benefactors and the Bank.

Jonas Browne & Hubbard (G’da) Ltd, FLOW Grenada Ltd, and Guardian General Insurance (OECS) Limited were the first benefactors coming on board to support the initiative in 2017. They were followed by Antillean Group in 2018, Coyaba Beach Resort in 2019, and Waggy T Rentals & Sounds Co and Body Image Health Club in 2020. 

Between 2009-2016, different health related charities have benefitted from the proceeds of the walk, including the Grenada Heart Foundation, Grenada Diabetes Association, Grenada Kidney Foundation, Sickle Cell Foundation of Grenada, Grenada Cancer Society, Pink Ribbon Society and Lupus Foundation of Grenada. The Bank remains committed to promoting vibrant and physically active lifestyles, encouraging preventative approaches to health issues, and making information concerning health matters available to the public as part of its Healthier Lifestyles Programme.