Wear flip flops and support children with cancer

South Africans are encouraged to put their best foot forward for children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer as Flip Flop Day 2026 returns on Friday, February 20.

Led by the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC), Flip Flop Day is a national fundraising and awareness campaign that invites individuals, schools and workplaces to purchase a R10 Flip Flop Day sticker and wear their flip flops in solidarity with families affected by childhood cancer.

Flip Flop Day highlights how simple, collective action can translate into meaningful, life-changing support.

“This fun campaign carries a serious message – that no family should walk the childhood cancer journey alone,” said CHOC CEO Hedley Lewis.

“A small action, like purchasing a R10 sticker, enables CHOC to provide practical, emotional and educational support to children, adolescents and their families when they need it most,” Lewis said.

Funds raised through Flip Flop Day allow CHOC to continue delivering vital services, including safe accommodation near treatment centres, transport assistance, psychosocial support and educational programmes that help children and adolescents continue learning during treatment.

In 2026, the campaign places a strong emphasis on friendship and shared participation, encouraging people to get involved together as colleagues, classmates, families or communities. The message is clear: even small contributions, when multiplied, can make a powerful difference.

How to get involved:

• Purchase a Flip Flop Day sticker for R10 from CHOC or Tekkie Town stores nationwide
• Wear your sticker and flip flops on Friday, 20 February 2026
• Encourage friends, colleagues and communities to join
• Share photos, tag CHOC and use #FlipFlopDay26 to help spread awareness

Flip Flop Day shows how collective participation directly translates into real support. When 20 people buy a sticker, it can help cover a child’s monthly transport costs to and from treatment. When 30 people participate, it helps fund a CHOC Carebag, given to every newly diagnosed child or teenager. Carebags include essential toiletries and a parent handbook to help families navigate the childhood cancer journey.

When 60 people take part, it can cover one night of accommodation for a child or teenager and their caregiver at a CHOC House, providing a safe room and meals free of charge.

“The success of Flip Flop Day 2026 is supported by strong partnerships. Flip Flop Day continues to show that when South Africans unite with compassion and purpose, every step taken helps ensure children and adolescents facing cancer are supported every step of the way,” Lewis concluded.

For more information or to get involved, visit www.choc.org.za.