Whalebone Pier in uMhlanga goes pink

IF you’re wondering why the Whalebone Pier in uMhlanga is draped in pink material, it’s because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In addition to hosting frundraisers to raise awareness campaigns, locals and businesses are encouraged to wrap the trees on their properties in pink in a show of support.

The company responsible for wrapping the pier is The Estée Lauder Companies, an initiative that forms part of its campaign to unite and inspire people, globally, to create a breast cancer-free world.

In 2012 Carol-Ann van Jaarsveldt started the initiative in remembrance of her mother and grandmother, both named Pauline, who died of breast cancer. To extend their legacy, and to raise funds for cancer awareness, she started to drape trees in pink material.

Read also: Early detection of breast cancer is vital says CANSA

Three years ago, Pink Trees for Pauline started a new drive in association with the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), called #doekwithadifference.

The public can purchase a doek, earrings or pink fabric and of the proceeds will go to CANSA.

“When we lend a helping hand, maybe we’ll begin to understand what is right and what is wrong. And when we dream another’s dream, instead of doing our own thing, maybe we’ll sing a different song and we’ll be more of what the world needs,” said the MD of Pink Trees for Pauline, Adri Jansen van Nieuwenhuizen.

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CANSA’s head of service, Gerda Strauss said CANSA is passionate about patient care and serving its patients.

“During Covid-19, the needs of our patients and their loved ones increased dramatically. Through our long-term partnership with Pink Trees for Pauline, we were able to make a tremendous impact through the funds raised and help our patients that need us the most,” she said.

The public and business sector are encouraged to make their mark in the #doekwithadifference drive by purchasing any of the items on sale.

The unique head wraps are sold for R100 each, earrings for R50 a pair and pink fabric to wrap trees is sold at R30 per metre.

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Pink Trees for Pauline invites all clubs, workplaces, schools, institutions and individuals to embrace #doekwithadifference or wrap a tree in their community in pink.

For every public in-feed post on Instagram or Facebook during the month of October, that featured both hashtags #timetoendbreastcancer and #elcdonates, The Estée Lauder Companies will donate $25 to the @bcrfcure, up to $150 000.

You can also take a picture that features the Whale Bone pier draped in pink and can stand a chance to win one of five hampers from the company. The Beverly Hills, the Grande Dame and Pink Lady of uMhlanga are offering an indulgent Saturday afternoon tea, at the Beverly Hills, for the most creative picture. Tag @lorgourlay on Instagram and include both hashtags #timetoendbreastcancer and #elcdonates.

Winners will be announced on October 31.

To get your #doekwithadifference, email adri@pinktrees.co.za or call 082 4606 386.