It seems there is always some cause or another asking for monetary support, which can leave you overwhelmed and unsure of which one to give your hard-earned money to.
But, if there is one cause that will always receive support from me (in some form or another) it is the Cancer Association of South Africa’s (CANSA) annual Shavathon – not only a good cause, but a lot of fun to participate in as well!
Where else can you get a haircut, or have your hair sprayed in funky yellows, greens, pinks, blues and oranges, for a small donation of only R50? The annual Shavathon events took place during the weekend of February 26 and 27 at some of the local malls, and the theme for this year is ‘Be uniquely you and colourful’.
There will also be opportunities for corporate companies, schools, churches or any other individual, to partake in this initiative from February 28 to March 4. For more information visit this link: https://shavathon.org.za/be-uniquely-you-and-colourful-at-shavathon/.
You might ask yourself, “But, what difference might this gesture make? It will not cure someone’s cancer if you spray or shave your hair?” And, to be honest, this is quite probably the truth, but, my question is, “Why not do it to show support?” It might not bring about a miracle cure, but, for that one day (and the time it takes your hair to grow back) you will be able to show someone who has had to either battle cancer and won the battle, or someone who has maybe lost a loved one to this disease, that you care.
For me, showing this support is quite personal. I had to say goodbye to a family member who battled this disease and we recently heard that a very special colleague of ours was also diagnosed with cancer. Through my journey as a community journalist, I also came to know two very brave girls battling with this disease, and it is because of all of them that I will always show my bright and bold support.
For Zannerique Toerien, who lost her battle at only eight years old, it will be to honour her memory, and for the 21-year-old Clarece Scholtz, who battled leukaemia and came out on top, it is to show how much respect I have for her, for never backing down and refusing to give up the fight.
This year, it will also be to honour the memory of my sister-in-law, Suzette Bloem, who passed away after a brief, but fierce fight with pancreatic cancer, as well as to show my unwavering support to one of my colleagues, who just received her diagnosis and has a long and hard battle ahead.
If you participated in any of the Shavathons at the various malls this past weekend, send your photos and reasons why you did it to roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za/ northside@caxton.co.za.
Until next week …
