THE Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is hosting its annual CANSA Shavathon campaign at local shopping centres on 25 February and at workplaces from 27 February to 3 March.
Hosting a Shavathon event at workplaces, or places of study, community halls or home provides the chance to have a little fun, while bringing important awareness to a serious illness. For a R50 donation and R25 for kids under 12, people can shave or spray their hair. Hair can also be donated if the ponytail measures 25cm or longer. All hair donations which meet all necessary requirements will be used to make wigs for cancer patients.
CANSA Head of Sustainability, Maria Scholtz, said: “Shavathon provides the opportunity to give back, by raising funds for cancer patient care and support programmes through shaving or spraying, or by making a hair donation for wigs; and to show solidarity with those battling cancer, or whose loved ones are fighting cancer. It’s also a time to remember and honour those who have lost the battle.”
Shaun Terblanche, CANSA Global Hero of Hope, a brain cancer survivor, has perhaps the best response to what Shavathon means to him; “Away with hair, away with cancer.”
Nikki Seboni, a skin cancer survivor said; “We don’t need a reason to help others. It’s the selfless acts we do that make us rise when helping others. CANSA Shavathon showed me Ubuntu and the beauty of selfless acts.”
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has joined forces again, at selected Shavathon venues allowing the public to make a blood donation, along with Shavathon participation.
“Blood donations are often used for cancer patients undergoing treatment or blood transfusions, and that’s why we’re putting a call to action to the participants at the Shavathon events. Not only are you helping a cancer patient by donating your money to help CANSA support those affected by cancer, but now you can also donate your blood which could be used to help a cancer patient during treatment,” said Scholtz.
One week before #CANSAshavathon 2017!
25 Feb at shopping malls
Locate venues here:https://t.co/UI0borlEcL
Support Cancer Survivors! pic.twitter.com/0LLJw6g6tv— CANSA Shavathon (@shavathon) February 18, 2017
She said a CANSA Shavathon is a fun way to show your support in solidarity to those who are currently fighting cancer. It also creates awareness about the impact that cancer has on those affected by it.
Share your fun pictures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and remember to use the hashtag #CANSAshavathon.
For more information on local venues, visit: www.shavathon.org.za/shave-or-spray-at-a-shopping-centre.
