CANSA to host its 11th Shavathon
Support cancer sufferers and survivors by joining in the CANSA Shavathon.
Cansa (Cancer Association of South Africa) governorManny de Freitas said that it feels almost unbelievable that the Cansa Shavathon is now 10 years old and that 2014 will see the 11th national event taking place.
“Hundreds of thousands of South Africans from all walks of life have shown their solidarity with cancer survivors at the past annual Shavathons, when they have had their hair either shaved or sprayed,” de Freitas said.
He explained that it is still emotional for him to see the many men, women and children showing solidarity with cancer survivors and those affected by it, every year.
“Cansa plans on making this year’s Shavathon the biggest yet,” said de Freitas.
As it has been done in previous years, corporates, schools and organisations will have the opportunity to host their own Shavathon between February 24 and 28.
Official Cansa Shavathon events will take place at shopping centres across the country on March 1, where the cost to shave or spray (which is easily washed off) your hair or donate a ponytail is R50 for adults, and R25 for children under 12 years of age.
De Freitas said that shaving or spraying hair is a visual sign of solidarity with those who have undergone and are undergoing cancer therapy, when they lose their hair.
In addition to the options of shaving or spraying their hair, people also have the opportunity to purchase a Cansa Wrap for their hair (at a cost of R50) and also to donate their ponytail at Shavathon’s across the country.
Ponytail donations received by Cansa are handmade into wigs for cancer patients who have lost their hair as a result of their cancer treatment.
Great pride is taken in making a wig, to ensure that it is as close to a natural look as possible.
Wigs are available at all Cansa Care Centres, and provided at no cost to the public.
To donate a ponytail, hair must be at least 22cm in length, and must be clean and dry.
De Freitas said that all funds raised go to the important programmes that Cansa runs in the fight against cancer.
For a full list of participating shopping centres, visit https://www.shavathon.org.za/shave-or-spray-at-a-shopping-centre/.
For any company, school, individual or organisation that wishes to host its own Shavathon, between February 24 and 28, visit https://www.shavathon.org.za/your-own-event-step-1/
