Recovering from breast cancer requires a lot of emotional support. Many women feel uncomfortable about their appearance after surgery.
For this reason, SPAR Inland recently donated more than R200 000 to the Reach for Recovery organisation.
During the month of August, SPAR invited shoppers in various regions to add R1 to their purchase at the till point. All funds that were collected during Women’s Month were donated to Reach for Recovery.
To sweeten the deal, the organisation received a second donation of R85 000 from the SPAR Women’s Challenge 10km/15km race. The annual race took place on October 6.
Stephanie van Deventer, Reach for Recovery national manager, said the organisation supports more than 5 000 breast cancer patients every year.
“It is important for women who had breast cancer to return to their daily lives. At Reach for Recovery, our goal is to assist these women to regain their self-confidence and resume their role in society. Often times these women are the breadwinners and have to get back to work,” she said.
Reach for Recovery is a non-medical support organisation. Volunteers provide emotional care and practical support to those whom are affected by breast cancer in both private and state hospitals. These volunteers are also breast cancer survivors.
Van Deventer said prosthetic breasts, that are provided to patients in state hospitals, help women who underwent a mastectomy to feel like a woman again.
She thanked SPAR and all customers who donated wholeheartedly to the cause.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I cannot remember when was the last time we received such a generous donation. Every cent will make a big difference,” she said.
Kathleen Bailie, SPAR Inland advertising manager, said: “We are very proud of our retailers and the community who came together to raise this money during Women’s Month. Reach for Recovery is a deserving beneficiary who has done amazing work by supporting women suffering from breast cancer.”
The international breast cancer support group and volunteers, aim to assist women with breast cancer to return to their daily lives.
The non-profit organisation is sustained through fund-raising activities and sponsorships in order to provide services free of charge to patients. For more info, visit their website www.reach4recovery.org.za
