Be colourfully kind for the annual Shavathon from February 24

The Shavathon event organised by the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is marking its 22nd anniversary, with this year’s theme ‘Be Colourfully Kind’.

The event will kick off on February 24 at selected shopping malls throughout South Africa and continues with individual events held from February 26 to March 29 at workplaces, schools and organisations.

CANSA’s head of business development, Elijah Masubelele, said, “While shopping malls provide us with wonderful platforms to host Shavathon activities every year, we have also found that running individual events with companies, schools and other organisations makes a significant positive impact on creating awareness and raising funds.”

The annual Shavathon never fails to catch the imagination of the South African public, who turn up in droves each year to participate.

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The brave shave off their hair, while others spray outrageous colours on their locks to symbolise their support for cancer survivors.

And, some grow their hair throughout the year to donate it on the day for the making of wigs for cancer survivors who have lost their hair during treatment.

Those who cannot attend the events have the option of making donations online.

“CANSA Shavathon provides a great opportunity for organisations to run fun events that encourage team building and volunteerism while also getting the serious key cancer-related messages across,” added Masubelele.

“We always emphasise cancer knows no boundaries, whether racial, cultural, gender or age-related and that early detection is the best weapon in the fight to overcome it.

“Shavathon is a light-hearted vehicle that enables us to expand on these topics in a non-threatening way.”

CANSA’s head of marketing and communications, Lucy Balona said this year’s theme emphasises the need for people to show empathy and understanding to those affected by the dread disease, while also maintaining a positive outlook.

She said the campaign is one of South Africa’s best-loved events allowing participants to show solidarity with those affected by cancer.

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Losing one’s hair is a common side-effect of cancer therapy; so shaving heads has become a symbolic gesture of support for cancer survivors.

Colouring hair or paying a ‘bail out fee’ have become options for those who prefer not to shave, or who cannot shave on the day.

For those who like to be actively engaged and to make a difference, Shavathon embraces volunteers.

What is the fundraising for?

The funds raised by CANSA Shavathon are used to provide education and screening initiatives and care and support services to cancer patients and their loved ones.

In addition, funds go towards pop-up clinics to perform cancer screening, lifestyle risk assessments and educational cancer awareness.

The donation fee for shaving or spraying hair is R50 for an adult and R25 for a child under 12 years old.

How to take part in the kindness this year

Schools and other educational institutions, companies and organisations are welcome to register with CANSA to host their own CANSA Shavathons.

The benefits of hosting a Shavathon event include creating a platform for team building, an opportunity for volunteerism that some may not ordinarily have access to, and spreading information about cancer and how to treat it and how to lower the cancer risk.

To host an event, organisers have to go to the Shavathon website or contact asnyders@cansa.org.za They will be provided with details on how to run the event and how to process the funds raised.

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Want to be an online champion?

CANSA is looking for fundraising champions to raise funds online and win prizes.

“Create an online fundraising project page for CANSA, using the GivenGain digital platform, and have an email address or a social media account. You can mobilise your family, friends, colleagues and community to support you.

“In doing so, you are helping CANSA to fight cancer and contribute significantly towards supporting cancer patients and loved ones,” stated Masubelele.

For enquiries, visit www.shavathon.org.za