Bridgestone hands over half a million to Pink Drive
The tyre company raises the money by selling pink valve caps through its various channels and at motoring events as part of its extensive support to the organisation.
Bridgestone Southern Africa hands over R500 000 cheque to Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) dedicated to promoting the early detection of gender-related cancer.
ALSO READ: Ke Neo Entle cancer health walk
The tyre company raises the money by selling pink valve caps through its various channels and at motoring events as part of its extensive support to the organisation’s ‘Pink Valve Caps’ programme.
“This year we really put together a solid action plan and our staff and business partners really came to the party—we’re delighted to be able to pass on this substantial amount of money to a great organisation doing great work,” said Chantal Baxter, Operations manager wholesale at Bridgestone Southern Africa.
Pink Drive focuses on reaching South Africans in rural and disadvantaged areas where health services do not reach adequately with the aims of preventing the high number of deaths related to the various cancers.
Nelius Du Preez, Event Manager at Pink Drive said early detection was a key role in reducing the mortality rate from the dreaded disease.
ALSO READ: Using sports to raise awareness of cancer dangers in Soweto
“Providing these communities with testing and education is our mission as this will help individuals detect any abnormalities early on, and so greatly increase their chances of survival and the quality of their life,” explained Du Preez.
“To go out into these communities with adequate staff and facilities is a mammoth undertaking, and corporate support such as we have received from Bridgestone over many years is what has made it possible.”
According to the NGO, they have educated 429 667 women on breast health and performed a similar number of clinical examinations.
Nearly 9 000 men have been educated about breast cancer, with 3 346 clinical examinations undertaken, while close on 17 000 men have received a PSA test for prostate cancer.
Olympic silver medalist rower and cancer survivor, Lawrence Brittain, who accompanied the Bridgestone team to hand over the cheque to Pink Drive urged community members to ensure they undergo regular check-ups to catch gender-related cancers early on.
ALSO READ: Let’s turn the world GOLD for childhood cancer awareness month!
Brittain is also the ambassador for Bridgestone’s ‘Chase Your Dream No Matter What’ campaign aimed at encouraging people of all ages, abilities and passions to find the strength to chase their dream and overcome the obstacles on life’s journey.
“Cancer is not end of the journey—it can be treated like any other disease.
“But it’s imperative that people should start taking their health seriously and avoid shortcuts,” he said, citing that those who are diagnosed with gender-related cancers should follow their treatment protocols carefully.
Follow Us Here:
Catch the latest news by visiting our other platforms:
