The spirit of giving and community compassion filled the air at Kolonnade Retail Park on Friday when Radio Hi 5 Stereo hosted a unique charity broadcast in aid of the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa).

The initiative, supported by the Pretoria Bikers Council, aimed to raise funds and awareness for cancer patients while encouraging the public to get involved in the fight against the disease.

The event’s highlight was a five-hour live broadcast conducted from an extraordinary vantage point, 10 metres above the ground in a cherry picker.

For radio presenter Chris Batts, this daring setup symbolised hope rising above challenges.

“I believe if you want to make a difference, you have got to do something different. This is really going to attract attention and inspire people. It’s the first time a radio station has done a live broadcast in the air,” said Batts.

Batts, who has worked with Cansa for nearly two decades, explained that the cause is deeply personal.

“Most of my family passed away from cancer. I’m healthy and blessed, so I believe in making a difference.

“Our station’s slogan is ‘Airwaves of Hope’ – we bring hope wherever we can,” he said.

“Everyone knows someone who’s been affected by cancer. That’s why we are doing this, to educate, inspire, and remind people to take care of their health.”

During the event, Cansa representatives engaged with shoppers at the Pick n Pay entrance, hosting a Shavathon and selling branded memorabilia to raise funds.

According to Makoma Raolane, Cansa’s sustainability manager, such community partnerships are essential.

“We depend solely on the generosity of the community, individuals like Chris, and organisations such as Radio Hi 5 and the Pretoria Bikers Council.

“The funds we raise are channelled into education, support, and research,” explained Raolane.

Raolane said the money would also assist Cansa’s Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) facilities, which provide accommodation and care for both children and adults undergoing treatment far from home.

“We offer transport to and from hospitals, social work support, and access to healthcare services and support groups.

“We also provide subsidised cancer screenings, for breast, prostate, cervical, and skin cancer, and help patients connect with hospitals to ensure they don’t wait too long for treatment.”

Raolane admitted that funding remains one of Cansa’s biggest challenges.

“We would love to have a Cansa centre in every community, but limited resources make that difficult.

“Mobile clinics help us reach more people, but with more support, buildings, infrastructure, and donations, we could expand our reach and make early detection possible for many more South Africans,” she said.

She added that community-driven initiatives such as the Kolonnade event not only generate funds but also increase visibility and awareness.

“Being out here allows us to meet people who might not think about cancer daily. We can educate them about prevention, screening, and support services.

“Healthy living is key: eating well, staying active, and going for regular screenings can save lives.”

The Pretoria Bikers Council linked the event with their well-known annual Toy Run, set for November 23.

Vice chairman Righardt Kirsten said the partnership with Radio Hi 5 and Cansa came naturally.

“Chris has been part of the biking community for years. When he told us about his initiative, we knew we wanted to support it. Bikers also get cancer, it doesn’t have a face or a race,” said Kirsten.

Kirsten said the council’s values, love, honour, and respect, align perfectly with Cansa’s mission.

“We are all about building community. Our Toy Run collects toys and donations for children in need, and this year we are aiming for 30 000 toys and at least 5 000 bikers to participate. Some of the toys will go to cancer patients, old-age homes, and children’s shelters.”

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