Spray it on, shave it off – all in the name of love

Krugersdorpers from all walks of life participated in their masses in this year's Cansa Shavathon.

March 1, 2017

Bianca Pindral 1 minute read

Ilze Rheeder admires her colourful hair after Tanica Swanepoel sprayed it.

The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) once again had an incredibly successful countrywide shopping centre Shavathon on Saturday, 25 February. This was their 14th annual Shavathon and South Africans participated in masses.

The News visited Cradlestone Mall where Cansa West Rand had put up a Shavathon stand. Krugersdorpers from all walks of life participated by either spraying their hair with colourful paint (also called a Cansa wrap), or going to the extreme and shaving it all off to honour those who have lost the fight against cancer.

It looked such fun that News journalist, Bianca Pindral, also sprayed her hair to contribute to the cause.

Those who shaved their hair off did not do it just as a symbol of respect towards cancer patients, but also to donate their hair to the organisation so that wigs can be made for cancer patients who have lost their hair.

The participants did not seem to mind the fact that they now have shiny heads, because their smiles lit up the scene after their hair was put into plastic bags and mounted on the wall.

Olga Homsek and Carmen McClunskey-McNicol both contributed to Cansa’s Shavathon in their own unique way.

The Shavathon started at 9am and by noon, more than 100 people had visited the stand to show their support. Children as young as six inspired their parents to participate and some even got creative. Wilhelm Grobler shaved his head completely and then sprayed his beard a bright green, much to the entertainment of his daughter.

Olga Homsek sprayed her hair and Carmen McClunskey cut off all hers to support the Cansa Shavathon this year.

Businesses in the mall such as Crafter’s Market also sent their employees to contribute to the cause. Local businesses such as Quick Response Service also sent their entire staff.

“We would like to thank each and every person who came to the Shavathon,” said members of the QRS team.

For whatever reason Krugersdorpers did it, the day was a huge success because of their undying support and uplifting spirit. The community had such good spirit that News journalist, Bianca Pindral decided to join in and had a few streaks of bright paint sprayed into her hair as well.