Hair today, hope tomorrow: Community backs cancer fight
A youth movement raised funds for cancer support while promoting leadership and life skills at the Elardus Park Shavathon.
Scissors snipped and clippers buzzed as members of the Rietvlei Voortrekkers hosted their 14th annual Shavathon fundraiser in support of cancer awareness on Saturday.
Held at the NG Kerk in Elardus Park, the initiative once again brought the community together for a cause close to many hearts.
Event organiser Arno Jacobs said the project forms part of the movement’s mission to serve and uplift the community.
“We started it to get involved in the community. Our mission includes leadership and giving. That’s what we do. We reach out to the community.”
The Voortrekkers is a well-known youth movement focused on developing leadership skills and responsible citizenship among young people.
Andre Coetzee, an officer in the movement, explained that their broader goal extends far beyond fundraising events.
“Our goal is to train leaders to serve the country. We help youth stay off the streets and away from drugs and alcohol,” he said.
He added that members are equipped with practical life skills during their high school years.
“We teach them life skills like finances, investing, leadership, first aid, and fire prevention. We also do fun activities like whitewater rafting, firearms training, and mountain climbing.”
The Shavathon remains one of the group’s flagship outreach projects. Last year, the initiative raised R20 000 for cancer support, and organisers are hopeful that this year’s total will surpass that figure.
Adding her support to the cause was Lynette Botha, owner of Mooi Co Hair and Beauty Spa in Pretoria.
“Today, we are with Rietvallei Voortrekkers at the NG Kerk in Eersterust Park. We are cutting hair for free to support the Cancer Association,” she said.
“We also give vouchers to those we cut hair for, so they can visit our salon and get a discount.”
Community members of all ages showed their support by shaving, spraying or cutting their hair, demonstrating solidarity with those affected by cancer.
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