North Durban communities urged to paint their areas pink
Individuals, businesses and organisations are encouraged to get behind the Pink Trees for Pauline initiative by purchasing material and draping trees in their neighbourhood pink.
IT’S that time of the year again when towns and cities around South Africa drape trees and buildings in bright pink fabric to raise funds for people affected by cancer.
The initiative, called Pink Trees for Pauline, started in 2012 when Carol-ann van Jaarsveld started the initiative in remembrance of her mother and grandmother, both named Pauline, who both died of cancer. To extend their legacy, and to raise funds for cancer awareness, she started to drape trees in pink material.
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Van Jaarsveld, together with Adri Jansen van Nieuwenhuizen, a breast cancer survivor, and Dr Pam Kerr, an educational psychologist, officially founded the organisation.
“No matter who we are and where we go in life, somewhere along the line, everyone has a ‘Pauline’ in their lives, who is either fighting against or has succumbed to cancer,” said Jansen van Nieuwenhuizen, managing director of Pink Trees for Pauline.
Now in its 11th year of making a difference, Pink Trees for Pauline continues to shine a spotlight on the needs of cancer communities in South Africa.
Hundreds of kilometres of material will again be wrapped around the trunks of trees in over 140 towns this year as this charity continues to encourage collaboration and find new and bright ways to raise funds towards this worthy cause.
Pink Trees for Pauline’s colourful headscarf, designed to showcase its quintessentially South African spirit, culminated in the aptly named #doekwithadifference campaign in partnership with CANSA and is now in its sixth consecutive year.
“Making a difference in cancer communities across the country has been our core mission since our inception in 2012. With the added assistance of CANSA over the last six years, we are able raise more funds for care and support programmes. It’s a real testimony to the South African spirit of resilience, strength and tenacity,” said Jansen van Nieuwenhuizen.
Of all funds raised, 80% will be used in aid of improving the quality of life of those living with cancer within the participating towns. The list of patient’s needs includes accommodation during cancer treatment, home nursing, feeding schemes for cancer-affected patients, supplying of wigs, prosthesis or wheelchairs and playpens or toys for children in hospitals, and transport needs.
“We invite clubs, sports teams, workplaces, schools, institutions and individuals to contribute to this inspiring project by purchasing pink fabric for R30 per metre to wrap trees on their premises or by purchasing colourful headscarves for R100 each as part of the #doekwithadifference campaign, thereby raising awareness and brightening their own lives and the lives of others,” she added.
The material used to wrap trees is taken down at the end of October and donated to various charities to create products to sell and raise funds. Products such as hats, handbags and place mats are woven and sold to raise funds.
Additionally, the campaign can be further supported by purchasing unique matching hoop earrings and soft, colourful bracelets for R50 each or stainless-steel earrings for R100 per pair.
To order your #doekwithadifference, contact your nearest CANSA Care Centre or email info@cansa.org.za or adri@pinktrees.co.za
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