WATCH: Humanity Foundation hosts successful Cansa Shavathon
The young and old showed their support by either shaving their heads or dyeing their hair in bold, vibrant colours for just R50 for adults and R25 for children.
Despite the gloomy weather on March 1, the parking lot of Farrarmere Shopping Centre was transformed into a vibrant sea of colour as locals turned out in large numbers to participate in the 23rd annual Cansa Shavathon.
Young and old showed their support by either shaving their heads or dyeing their hair in bold, vibrant colours for just R50 for adults and R25 for children.
Those who didn’t want to shave or spray their hair made monetary donations to the cause.
For the second consecutive year, The Humanity Foundation took the lead in hosting this cherished event, which raises essential funds for cancer research, treatment and patient support services.
A deeply emotional moment unfolded at the venue when Renee Ferreirinho, a mother from Airfield, held her son Keegan’s hand tightly as her hair was shaved off in honour of her 42-year-old sister who died from stage four bone cancer in January last year.
According to Pierre Marneweck, of The Humanity Foundation, they raised R7 000 for Cansa and collected seven ponytails, which will be used to make wigs.
One of the ponytail donors did so in honour of her son, who died of leukaemia a few years ago.
“The Cansa Shavathon initiative is close to our hearts because one of our members is a cancer survivor,” Marneweck explained.
“Last year, we reached our target of R10 000 but, unfortunately, we didn’t meet our R15 000 this year. We think the weather played a part in this.”
He added that even though people are strapped for cash, they are extremely grateful to those who dug deep into their pockets to support the worthy cause.
“A representative from CANSA also joined the event, adding credibility to the partnership. Thank you to the public for coming out, especially the many who also supported us last year, and Pick n Pay Farramere for their continued support by again allowing us to use their premises.
“We also extend our gratitude to the friends of The Humanity Foundation, the volunteers and the DJ who turned things up and made the event a bit festive,” said Marneweck.
Chantel Wright, a member of The Humanity Foundation, and a breast cancer survivor, attended the event with her sister, Angela Bjelos, who is also a breast cancer survivor. She shared her excitement about the initiative and said she hopes the team’s efforts can help Cansa with its endeavours.
“The donated ponytails will help women and children who lose their hair due to cancer treatments. I’ve been there and know how it feels,” said Wright.
She was diagnosed in 2014 and her sister a year later.
“I have bad days but my supportive husband, children and grandchildren help me stay positive,” she said.
Also Read: WATCH: Community rallies in support of shavathon
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