What will you do for a cancer survivor?
For the past 10 years people from all walks of life have been getting involved in showing solidarity and support for cancer survivors by shaving, spraying or donating their ponytails for the annual CANSA Shavathon.
SOUTH OF JOHANNESBURG – Each year, men, women, children, cancer survivors and people whose lives have been personally touched by cancer, rally the troops and take part in CANSA Shavathon, each with their own reason for getting involved. Now in its 11th year, the CANSA Shavathon looks to be its biggest yet. The cost to shave, spray or donate a ponytail is R50 for adults and R25 for children under 12 years old.
Seeff Jhb South is hosting the CANSA Shavathon at Rietvlei Zoo Farm Butterfly Hall on Saturday March 1 from 08:00 to 16:00.
You are welcome to be added to the volunteer list by contacting Karen Malan 011 432 4090
011 432 4090 or Karen.malan@seeff.com
Why shave or spray as a means of support for the CANSA Shavathon? When undergoing cancer therapy, a common side effect is hair loss. By shaving or spraying hair, it’s almost a sign of solidarity – showing support and visual empathy for a cancer survivor. In addition to the options of shaving or spraying their hair, people also have the opportunity to purchase a CANSA Wrap for their hair (at a cost of R50 per wrap) and to also donate their ponytail at CANSA Shavathon’s across the country. Ponytail donations received by CANSA are handmade into wigs for cancer patients who have lost their hair as a result of their cancer treatment. Great pride is taken in making the wigs, to ensure the wig is as close to a natural look as possible. Wigs are available at all CANSA Care Centres and provided at no cost to the public. To donate a ponytail, hair must be at least 22cm in length, and must be clean and dry.
With the ‘spray’ option at CANSA Shavathon’s across the country, people will also have the option to have cool designs sprayed onto their hair. The spray used is made from vegetable dye and is safe to use. It lasts only a day and washes out easily.
The more people who get involved with the CANSA Shavathon at a workplace or shopping centre near them, the more money will be raised for the cause. Frequently asked questions are “What is ‘the cause’ and where exactly do the funds raised go to?”.
“All money raised at CANSA Shavathon’s around the country goes towards funding the care and support programmes that CANSA offers, mainly rendered at our Care Centres. People don’t realise just how valuable a contribution their donation made at each CANSA Shavathon is – it mainly helps to support cancer patients who need it the most,” says CANSA’s CEO, Sue Janse van Rensburg.
Join in on the CANSA Shavathon and shave, spray or donate your ponytail at Rietvlei Zoo Farm Butterfly Hall or a shopping centre near you on Saturday March 1. A full list of participating shopping centres can be found at https://www.shavathon.org.za/shave-or-spray-at-a-shopping-centre/.
