Time to set your toes free with Choc’s new annual Flip Flop Day
"We may never be able to walk in the shoes of those fighting childhood cancer, but we can certainly walk in pair of flip flops for a day to show them that we will never back down in the fight against childhood cancer." - CEO of Choc
Flippie is the flip flop mascot for Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa’s (Choc) colourful new annual event – Flip Flop Day.
Launching for the first time on February 14, Flip Flop Day is the chance for us South Africans to do what we do best, which is to rally together behind a cause.
“Our aim is to leave no stone unturned in finding supporters who want to set their 10 toes free by paying R10 and flipping on some flops to show their support for this amazing cause. It’s time for all South Africans to have a heart and wear a sole,” said Carl Queiros, CEO of Choc.
“Flip flops are basically a South African wardrobe pre-requisite. Everyone wears them and everyone loves them.
“The journey that children and teenagers with cancer face is in no way lighthearted at all, but creating an annual event like Flip Flop Day that raises money towards childhood cancer awareness, is definitely a time to be joyous and needs a fully loaded feel good factor,” said Queiros.
Chock is a registered and internationally recognised NPO whose aim it is to provide life changing and all-embracing support programmes to children and teenager and their families, from the get-go, once a diagnosis has been given.
“It’s safe to say that the day a parent hears that their child has cancer is probably the most unnatural day of their lives,” said Queiros.
“Most of us can’t even bear to face the thought, and luckily for the majority of us, we will never have to. But those that do face this unimaginable diagnosis are truly the bravest of the brave, especially the ones at the heart of the battle; the young souls who undergo treatment after treatment, fighting to survive.
“These children and teenagers are standing on the frontlines facing the scariest journey that they will ever have to face. The fear, uncertainty, relentless hospital visits and cycle of treatments all have a profound and lasting effect on these young warriors.
“For the parents and families, a completely different journey is beginning; one that is also steeped in fear and uncertainty, but one that includes the debilitating emotional weight of caring for the rest of the family, maintaining a household, even holding up a job – whilst carrying their child or teenager through an unchartered medical gauntlet.
“It’s devastating, overwhelming and terrifying, for everyone involved.
“Luckily, those suffering do not need to stand alone, because a group of complete strangers with a passion for compassion has stepped in and are stepping up to walk alongside these young heroes, locking arms with their families and holding steadfast in the face of uncertainty. These strangers are the people who make up Choc.”
Queiros said he hopes to see the public come out in full force, in their flip flops, on February 14 to show some love for our young ones.
He said the campaign will be supported by PNA Stationers.
“The public will be able to pop into any one of the PNA stores to buy a Flip Flop Day sticker. It’s simply never been easier to make a difference.”
Stickers can also be purchased from your Choc regional office. Click HERE for more information.
