After an appearance in the heritage day parade, a local group of men has raised $10,000 for cancer research.

The group, known as Barmuvinjam, decided to use a float in the Bermuda Day parade as a way to raise money for Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, formerly known as TB Cancer.

Group member Jason Sukdeo had the idea to raise money for the charity, a cause close to his heart, and the entire group helped to put the plan into action.

The group is comprised of 11 members with origins in Barbados, Bermuda, St. Vincent and Jamaica, hence the group’s name Bar-mu-vin-jam.

The group is known for hosting parties for a mature crowd, but members also pride themselves on planning events that benefit the community.

“We love planning events and creating environments where people can enjoy themselves. Pulling off a successful event is quite a reward within itself, but being able to share some of that success really gives us a feeling of accomplishment,” said member Renalda Bean.

Since all their events have a Caribbean flair to them, the group members wanted their May 24 float to be similar to those at Carnival, minus the costumes. As a result, they walked, danced and partied their way to success, while a party truck drove on ahead, playing music and serving drinks.

Members wore T-shirts with the slogan “chip into cancer” while they patrolled the streets of Hamilton gathering donations from the public.

In addition, the group received pledges beforehand for the cause.

In the end, the event was deemed a success by member Veejay Steede, who said: “It was received very well”, and the group was able to present Pauline Girling of Bermuda Cancer and Health Association with a cheque last week Wednesday.