Spreading awareness and hope at Cansa Randridge Mall Shavathon

RANDPARK RIDGE – Find out how the annual Cansa Shavathon at Randridge Mall went here.

February 27, 2018

Sonwabile Antonie 2 minutes read

Grethe Doubell-Schüssler and Maggi Sigg hold a few blocks which will be printed on the donated blanket.

Community support is what makes the Cancer Association of South Africa’s (Cansa) Shavathon one of the largest charity events in the country.

This was proven when hundreds of people filled the Woolworths Court at Randridge Mall on 24 February to show their support.

They showed support by shaving, colouring and monetary donations as well as purchasing blocks for the Hopee blanket.

Volunteers were inundated with people who wanted to be there for family and friends while Hot 91.9FM‘s Mark Pilgrim played RnB and Old Skool music.

Friends Marika van Heerden and Victoria Heydenrych at the Cansa Shavathon.

Felicity Purdon and Megan Botha from Beanies for Beings.

The South African National Blood Service was also stationed close to proceedings and benefited from high traffic and increased number of supporters donating blood before walking to Shavathon and getting their hair shaved or coloured.

Charities such as Beanies for Beings was also in attendance and assisted the Little Field Mouse pop-up shop and Hands of Hope project to complete the handprints for the blankets.

The blankets will be donated to young children in oncology wards at different hospitals in the province and the messages on the blankets will provide some comfort for them.

Victoria and her daughter Hannah Ferreira.

Derrick Serfontein shows his support at Cansa Shavathon held at Randridge Mall.

Jaydin Saunders shows her support for Cansa Shavathon.

Randridge Mall’s regional marketing manager, Landi van Deventer was extremely happy with the level of support the mall received and was overwhelmed with the individuals and their different stories.

“Atmosphere on the day was electrifying but it is the stories from individuals who have come to support that has been overwhelming. What surprised me is that more women have cut their hair than men and there is always an emotion behind it or doing it for a loved one.

“Between the mall’s tenants, staff, volunteers and community members, we all have a great relationship and this helps this event to become better each year,” said Van Deventer.

Mark Pilgrim hosts his Hot FM radio station show at the Cansa Shavathon.

Zelme Botha shows off her beautiful smile at Cansa Shavathon.

Iain Clarvis donates his ponytail for the fourth time at Cansa Shavathon.

One of those stories shared on the day was Hot 91.9FM’s Mark Pilgrim who was diagnosed with stage three testicular cancer at 18 years old.

He has been an ambassador for Cansa for many years and supports their initiatives. Pilgrim said support is crucial to those battling the disease.

Pilgrim said, “It is so important to get the message across that if you are fighting this disease then continue to do so because there is a chance for survival. Today is about survival and solidarity as well as showing that you care.

What Cansa does is help with early detection as that helps to save lives, and those who find abnormalities on their bodies such as lumps should go to the doctor immediately.”

Cael Naidoo watches as Megan Botha puts paint on his right hand.

Siblings Ian and Kelly Whittington-Jones at the Cansa Shavathon.

Head of marketing and communications for Cansa, Lucy Balon said that for Cansa to continue being operational, it relies on annual national income projects where the community can be involved in.

Balon said, “The turnout is amazing and we have to be grateful to the community that came to show their support.

This goes to show how many people are affected by cancer and studies show one in four people are either directly or indirectly affected by it. It is events such as the Shavathon where we can raise awareness as well as raise funds so as to help more people who are not in a position to do.”