The iThemba Walkathon will go virtual and nationwide on 31 October to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and education despite the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
This first-ever national and virtual walkathon, is the 15th edition of the annual charitable event. Safety and the need to minimise social gatherings is a primary concern this year, which is why the walkathon will be hosted virtually at the comfort and safety of the participant’s homes and neighbourhoods. The funds that will be generated from registration will be donated to the Cancer Association of South Africa, Wings of Hope, Look Good…Feel Better and Journeys as well as to organise the 2021 walkathon.
The first 30 000 participants to register for the 2020 edition of the iThemba Walkathon will each receive a walk pack which comprises of Avon Justine products, a free commemorative T-shirt and other goodies from corporate voices who supports the promotion of breast health. During a virtual media conference, Mafahle Mareletse, managing director of Avon Justine in Africa, Turkey and the Middle East explained, “Once the participant has registered and their registration is confirmed, they will receive a link to download an app which they can use to receive breast cancer education and reminders of the event closer to the date. During the event, participants can choose any route of their choice and will receive push notifications informing them of the distance they have walked during the event.” The app also has a tracking functionality that allows participants to track and share their walking route in real time with their loved ones. It also allows participants to share their pictures on customised walkathon frames that they can share on their favourite social media platforms by using the hashtag #2020iThembaWalkathon.
The decision to continue hosting this annual event is in response to increased risk of infection and possibilities of patients developing severe complications during the lockdown due to reduced capacity of public health facilities owing to increased cases of Covid-19 infections and deferred treatment of breast cancer. cases. “Though it is critical that we should marshal all available resources to contain the spread of Covid-19, it is equally important that we should also ensure that breast cancer patients and survivors also receive the necessary support, particularly now during these uncertain times when health facilities are under severe strain,” Mareletse added. “By hosting the virtual national walkathon, we are casting the net wider and giving all South Africans the opportunity to walk for a purpose and contribute meaningfully in the fight against breast cancer.”
Details: www.ithembawalkathon.co.za
