Klerksdorp Record, Klerksdorp - The Cancer Association of South Africa’s Shavathon is in its 22nd year and what better way to celebrate than for the fund-raising and awareness campaign to focus on kindness.
Be Colourfully Kind is the theme for this year’s Shavathon. It kicks off with all-day events on Saturday February 24 throughout South Africa and continues with individual events held between February 26 and March 29 by workplaces, schools and organisations.
No Shavathon events have yet been confirmed in the Kosh Area. It needn’t be at a shopping mall, and schools and other organisations can also help by hosting shavathons to create awareness and raise funds for Cansa.
The annual Shavathon never fails to catch the imagination of the South African public who turn up in droves each year to participate. The very brave shave off their hair, while others spray outrageous colours on their locks to symbolise their support for cancer survivors. And then there are those who grow their hair throughout the year to donate it on the day for the making of wigs for cancer survivors who have lost their hair during treatment. Those who cannot make the events have the option of making donations online.
The Be Colourfully Kind theme emphasises the need for people to show empathy and understanding to those affected by the dread disease, while also maintaining a positive outlook.
Colouring hair or paying a Bail Out Fee have become options for those who prefer not to shave, or who can’t shave on the day. For those who like to be actively engaged and to make a difference, Shavathon embraces volunteers. Their support is invaluable.
The funds raised are used to provide education and screening initiatives, as well as care and support services to cancer patients and their loved ones. In addition, funds go towards pop up clinics to perform cancer screening, lifestyle risk assessments and educational cancer awareness.
For more information, contact Lucy Balona, Head: Marketing and Communication at Cansa at email
