Be part of the Cansa Shavathon

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 in the annual Cansa Shavathon.

Each year, men, women, children, cancer survivors and people whose lives have been personally touched by cancer, rally the troops and join in on the Cansa Shavathon, each with their own reason for getting involved.

Now in its 11th year, the Cansa Shavathon looks to be its biggest yet.

Corporates, schools and organisations will have the opportunity to host their own Shavathon between 24-28 February, and Cansa Shavathon events will happen at shopping centres across the country on Saturday 1 March, where the cost to shave, spray, or donate a ponytail is R50 for adults, and R25 for children under the age of 12 years.

When undergoing cancer treatment, 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 wrap for their hair.

Ponytail donations received by Cansa are handmade into wigs for cancer patients who have lost their hair as a result of their cancer treatment.

To donate a ponytail, hair must be at least 22cm in length, and must be clean and dry.

The more people that get involved with the Cansa Shavathon at a corporate or shopping centre near them, the more money will be raised for the cause.

“All money raised at Shavathon’s around the country goes towards funding the care and support programme that Cansa offers, mainly rendered at Care Centres. People don’t realise just how valuable a contribution their donation made. It mainly helps to support cancer patients who need it the most, ” says Cansa’s CEO, Sue Janse van Rensburg.

The main focus of Cansa’s Care Centres and Clinics is to provide comprehensive care to cancer survivors, caregivers and their loved ones across the country which includes individual counselling and support groups and programme, specialist care of wounds and complications as well as the provision of medical equipment.

All Cansa’s care programmes are structured to provide much-needed, practical solutions to common problems people face when diagnosed.

“The money raised from the Cansa Shavathon goes towards running these facilities, says Sue.

Join in on the Cansa Shavathon and shave, spray or donate your ponytail at a shopping centre near you on Saturday 1 March. A full list of participating shopping centres can be found at https://www.shavathon.org.za/shave-or-spray-at-a-shopping-centre/

Any company, school, individual or organisation that is keen to get involved and host their own Shavathon between 24-28 February, will find step by step instructions on https://www.shavathon.org.za/your-own-event-step-1/