THE PICTURES say it all – nearly 60 people had their heads shaved and scores more had the hair colour sprayed, and altogether the Vryheid Herald’s Cansa Shavathon raised R15,635 for the Cancer Association of South Africa.
The event was held on Saturday morning in Pick ‘n Pay’s parking area, and the weather “played ball” – it began to drizzle very finely only towards the end at 2:00pm.
Once again, it was a fun event with a serious side. Perhaps everyone who was shaved or sprayed or who made a donation was a cancer survivor, or knew someone who was a survivor or who had sadly succumbed to the disease.
The Shavathon is one of South Africa’s best-loved events in support of a very worthy cause, namely showing solidarity with those affected by cancer. Losing one’s hair is a common side-effect of cancer therapy – so shaving your head has become a symbolic gesture of support for cancer survivors.
We saw some cancer survivors there on Saturday, and heard about people’s famiily members and loved ones who had fought the disease or were fighting the disease. Quite often there were some very thoughtful faces on the people while they had their heads shaved.
The Vryheid Herald would especially like to thank Maritsa and Somari from Cutting Edge Salon for so professionally wielding their clippers, and Pick ‘n Pay for the use once again of the parking area. Everyone who was shaved received a fridge magnet to remind them of the event, and we thank Sign Centre for donating them.
We would also like to thank the Lions Club of Vryheid which not only loaned us tables and chairs but donated R7,000 to the proceeds, which considerably boosted the amount we’ll be able to give to Cansa. Thank you Lions.
Also thanks to Spur and Wimpy for the vouchers and Stilwater Spring Water for the donation of water to refresh the participants. And thank you to the Cansa office in Newcastle for all its support for this event in Vryheid.
Most of all, thank you to all the people, young and older, who supported the Shavathon. You made our day.