#Shavathon2024: Locals stand in solidarity with cancer survivors

A handful of locals turned up to support the Cansa Shavathon at East Rand Mall on February 24.

Baanbreker Voortrekkers again this year joined hands with Cansa to host the event.

Under the theme ‘Be Colourfully Kind’, the 2024 shavathons took place over the weekend of February 24 to 25 at shopping malls across the country.
The initiatives continue with individual events held at workplaces, schools and organisations from February 26 to March 29.

The supporters at East Rand Mall, mostly women, showed up to get their heads shaved or sprayed.
Others came to donate their hair ponytails, while those who did not wish to shave or spray donated money.

Among those who parted with their hair during the event is Candice Scrooby from Germiston , who not only donated her ponytail but also shaved her hair.
“I’ve been growing my hair for two and a half years to support families and friends affected by cancer,” she said.

Boksburg’s Marietjie Kock, who had her hair shaved, said, “I’m doing this to support those battling the disease, and to show respect to loved ones and many other people we have lost to this disease. I have done it many times and will do it again and again.”

Lakefield resident Claudine Parboo, who shaved her hair for a third time in support of the shavathon, said, “I am doing this for those who are currently undergoing treatment and those who have sadly lost the battle to cancer.”

Mrs SA 2024 semi-finalist Nicolette Brits of Benoni was also at the event. She said the reality of cancer hit home with her aunt being diagnosed and she encouraged residents to support the shavathons.
“People are suffering and desperately need of our support. Health is everything, and you cannot buy it,” she said.

Thank you
The volunteers thanked all those who showed support, including Panarottis East Rand Mall, which donated lunch for the volunteers.

Louise Botha from Baanbreker Voortrekkers said their organisation believes in helping and serving others, hence they have, like many other previous years, made it their mission to host the 22nd shavathon in support of Cansa.
“Cancer is a big thing, and anyone can get it. Patients undergo difficult treatment to fight the disease. Any form of support goes a long way towards making the survivors’ life tolerable.”

All Cansa Shavathon funds go towards Cansa’s care and support programmes for patients and their loved ones.
Donated hair is used to make wigs for cancer patients, particularly those who lost their hair while undergoing chemotherapy.