Registration for the 12th annual Avon Justine iThemba Walkathon is open and participants are invited to raise awareness about breast cancer.
The event is scheduled for 22 October at Marks Park in Joburg with 35 000 participants expected to grace the occasion.
According to the organisers, the event promises to exciting and purposeful this year with live entertainment from Kaya FM presenters and e.tv personalities.
This family orientated event will begin with a 7.9km and a 5km walk at 8am and 8.30am respectively. Vicky Saunders-Flaherty, of the company’s public relations department, said registrations opened on 3 July and the event catered for people of various age groups.
The objective of the Avon Justine iThemba Crusade of Hope programme was to ensure the message that early cancer detection saved lives was spread across the country, added Saunders-Flaherty.
“This is to enable women to know about the importance of breast health and having their annual mammograms as well as undertaking their monthly breast self-examinations.
“Participants have the opportunity to #WalkForAPurpose and make their steps count by participating in the Avon Justine iThemba Walkathon. It is estimated that with early detection, over 30 percent of deaths due to breast cancer can be prevented, and an event such as the iThemba Walkathon is a great way to spread the message that early detection really does save lives.”
Through the various strategic partnerships with NGOs as well as the walkathon, Avon Justine has been able to reach more than 15 million South Africans and is working towards reaching 20 million this year, she said.
As the world’s largest charitable supporter of women’s causes, Avon has donated more than $1 billion (about R14 billion) towards women’s causes, according to Saunders-Flaherty.
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She said in South Africa, R22 million had been donated to organisations such as the Breast Health Foundation or Bosom Buddies, Look Good… Feel Better, Wings of Hope and the Cancer Association of South Africa since 2001.
Entry for adults participating will pay R135, children between the ages of two and 12 years old will pay R90 and it’s free for toddlers up to the age of two.
Organisers say all participants must pre-register via www.ithembawalkathon.co.za or on a printed entry form.
Details: vicky.saunders-flaherty@avon.com
