Providing hope for Cancer patients

The idea of the Hopeez blanket initiated by the Hands of Hope was a success at the Cancer Association of South Africa’s Cansa‘s Shavathon event on 24 February.

In conjunction with Cansa and Randridge Mall, Hands of Hope sold more than 250 blocks of cloth.

READ: Spreading awareness and hope at Cansa Randridge Mall Shavathon

Hands of Hope is a team of members from Randridge Mall’s Cansa volunteers who wanted to give more at the mall’s 10th annual Shavathon.

To support those affected by cancer, Hands of Hope sold the blocks to the community and one could put their handprint with fabric paint on the cloth and write their name and a message of hope.

Along with a few companies who have signalled their willingness to support, the blocks of cloth will be sewn together into a blanket called Hopeez. The blankets will be donated to young cancer patients in various oncology units in the province, giving them hope when they are in a hospital and away from their family and friends.

Hands of Hope was led by Grethe Doubell-Schüssler, Natalie Swart and Vivian Bester, and their passion shone through as they worked hard to get the initiative off the ground. Doubell-Schüssler said she was happy their hard work paid off but that there is still more to be done.

“For the project to take off the way it did is fantastic. It was a real success but it was the feedback from the people writing messages of hope on the blankets that really showed how positive of an experience it was. They told us how happy they are to be involved in the Hopeez blankets, writing a message from their hearts and giving support where they can.” .

For more information, contact randridge.shavathon@gmail.com