–managed to raise $14M altogether for the year

THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has managed to raise a whopping $10M in funds through its virtual Pinktober 2020 events; the monies will go towards cancer care and treatment.
The company said in a release on Monday that the $10M is in addition to its earlier allocation of $4M towards the diagnostic testing and treatment of cancer patients here.

Making the announcement two Thursdays ago on World Cancer Day, coordinator of GTT’s ‘Pinktober’ programme, Diana Gittens, noted how elated she was that the company was able to meet its target for 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the unstinting support of the Guyanese public countrywide.
On behalf of GTT, she further pledged to keep on fighting against cancer through fundraising, and by heightening cancer awareness across Guyana.
“We knew it was impossible to host our regular activities, especially with the necessary physical distancing policies in place,” Gittens said, adding: “However, we are eternally grateful to all who were able to purchase a ‘Pinktober’ bottle and sponsor our ‘Pinktober’ events, thereby joining us in a national effort to combat cancer, and ensure cancer-care provision. Your support will go towards strengthening our fight against cancer, and is a truly tangible reminder that we are in this together.”

Among companies she singled out for special recognition were: Mobile Network Services, LLC; the Guyana Marketing Corporation; the Guyana Oil Company; General Data Tech; Huawei Marine Systems; Infinera; Unicomer (Courts-Guyana); the Supreme Court Registry; and ANSA McAl Trading Limited.
“It is because of their corporate commitment,” she said, “that we were able to amass the amount of funds raised in 2020. However, each and every purchase from individuals, groups and organisations also went towards the cause, and we thank you.”

GTT’s ‘Pinktober’ outreach consisted of a series of virtual and interactive activities, including ‘Fit and Pink Friday’; a newly-added TikTok challenge; ‘Pink Friday’; and a dedicated Mental Health Day; in addition to the annual sale of ‘Pinktober’ branded items.
The ‘Pinktober’ campaign is a fundraising and awareness initiative, the proceeds of which will go towards the care and treatment of cancer patients across Guyana.