EastWest Bank’s Magenta Race continues to advocate for breast cancer awareness

EastWest Bank proudly reports the success of the second Magenta Race, which brought together 145 participants to support breast cancer advocacy and raised PHP 196,991 for the Kasuso Foundation.

Eastwest’s Magenta Race Recognized as Best CSR Initiative by the Digital Banker

EastWest, one of the fastest-growing banks in the country today, was recently awarded “Best CSR Initiative” by The Digital Banker at the Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards for the Bank’s project “Magenta Race,” a virtual run/walk and cycle for breast cancer.

In its debut year, EastWest employees rallied to raise funds for breast cancer detection and prevention of the beneficiaries of Philippine Foundation for Breast Care Inc. (PFBCI), also known as Kasuso.org. This was done through the launch of the very first Magenta Race—a virtual run/walk and cycle for breast cancer, which was able to raise a significant amount through the employees’ personal donations. The choice of magenta, a deeper shade of the pink that is associated with cancer awareness, wishes to express EastWest’s deeper commitment to this cause.

A total of 145 employees took part in the first ever EastWest Magenta Race, with 94 joining the run/walk, and 51 joining the cycle race. Proceeds coming from the registration fee, which included Magenta Run shirts, were collected as donations to PFBCI. But, notably, many of those who could not join the race itself still purchased shirts or made an outright donation to aid in the contributions.

Leading the Charge in the War Against Breast Cancer

During the awarding, EastWest expressed gratitude for the acknowledgement of their efforts, while also committing to continued efforts in the name of women and the fight against breast cancer.

“Thank you for this incredible honor. We at EastWest are humbled to accept the best CSR Initiative Award, and we would like to extend our gratitude to The Digital Banker for seeing and recognizing our efforts. In the Philippines, breast cancer is the top illness among women, and EastWest being powered by 66 percent females, led by a female President, and founded by the first Filipina President in the banking industry, we wanted to support a cause that touches the hearts of so many of our people,” said Carmina Jeanne D. Roque, EastWest Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications.

“So, we organized the Magenta Race, uniting our employees in a virtual race to raise funds for the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our EastWest family. Our people showed incredible dedication, with many participants and generous contributions, and this recognition is a testament to the power of unity and commitment within our community. We at EastWest are determined to make a difference, to save lives, and to continue our journey of empowerment and awareness. Let’s keep the magenta flame of hope and compassion burning bright in our hearts,” concluded Roque.

Second Magenta Race Continuing the Legacy

Now on its second annual run, EastWest carries on its advocacy for breast cancer awareness by inviting more bikers and runners to participate. The second Race kicked off last October 13 with 119 runners and 29 cyclists.

For the ongoing and future Magenta Race events, EastWest and its employees will continue to don their running shoes, hop on their bikes, or simply extend their support through the purchase of a T-shirt, knowing that every stride, pedal, and purchase makes a difference in this battle against breast cancer.

EastWest announces the Magenta Race 2023 in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Kasuso Foundation

EastWest, as part of its corporate social responsibility program, is thrilled to announce the return of the Magenta Race, timed perfectly to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event is in partnership with the Kasuso Foundation, following up last year's initiative that showcased the caring side of EastWestbankers nationwide.

The Magenta Race is designed not only as a tribute to breast cancer warriors and survivors but also as a proactive step to spread awareness, promote early detection, and unite in solidarity against this pervasive disease. As with the previous year, the race will be a delightful mix of walk/run and bike categories, allowing participants of all fitness levels to partake, celebrate life, and contribute to a noble cause.

"We believe in making a difference beyond banking. Supporting initiatives that uplift the community is deeply embedded in our values. We are proud to bring back the Magenta Race, especially after the accolade we received from Digital Banker for our outstanding CSR efforts," remarked EastWest Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Ms. CJ Roque.

As breast cancer remains the most common type of cancer among Filipino women, and with EastWest being comprised of over 60% female employees, breast health continues to be an important cause for EastWest.

Overall, the program aims to empower women within the institution with knowledge about breast cancer via programs that create awareness, early detection and information on where to get support, instill a sense of altruism in employees by giving them an opportunity to give back to charitable causes, provide financial aid to underprivileged Filipina women for early detection of breast cancer with CSR partner Philippine Foundation for Breast Care, Inc. (PFBCI), continue the ongoing strong CSR partnership with PFBCI, and pave the way for the operationalization of future partnerships with other charitable institutions, and ultimately encourage employees to take on healthier and more active lifestyles.

Adding an exciting layer to the event, EastWestbankers have a unique opportunity to showcase their support by purchasing Magenta Race T-shirts. A significant portion of the proceeds from these sales will be directed towards the Kasuso Foundation, reinforcing EastWest's commitment to driving change and making a tangible difference. The Race kicked off on October 13 with 119 runners and 29 cyclists. The Bank is expecting more EastWestbankers to join during the race duration.

In addition to the race, the event will feature health checks and insightful symposiums on breast cancer prevention and awareness. These will be facilitated by Intellicare, EastWest’s trusted Health Maintenance Organization partner, ensuring that attendees leave with not just memories, but valuable knowledge that could be lifesaving.

EastWest encourages all its Bankers and the EastWest community at large to don their running shoes, hop on their bikes, or simply extend their support through the purchase of a T-shirt. Every stride, pedal, and purchase makes a difference in this battle against breast cancer.

The program’s features like the Magenta Race Virtual Challenge to Fight Breast Cancer – Virtual Walk, Run, and Bike Ride, Breast Health Care Campaign, and the various Fundraising activities are open to all interested and will definitely leave an indelible mark on the landscape of CSR, similar to the previous year’s efforts.

Last year, EastWest held its first-ever Magenta Race. It was a smashing success, with 145 athletes participating in the run/cycle contest, 1,192 total shirt orders, and Php380,000 donated to the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care, Inc. It also received an award from The Digital Banker Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards 2023 as the Best CSR Initiative.

So, to continue the momentum, EastWest invites everybody in the family to join us in our race for hope, health, and healing!