Cansa fund-raiser to boost care centres

THE Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) stands to benefit from a national project, “Supporting Cansa is a piece of cake” in a bid to enhance support programmes at their care centres.

East London's Cansa Community Mobiliser of Fund Development Michelle Goddard said it was originally a regional project called “Cuppa for Cansa”.

“Checkers stores and individuals could host an event where you could invite people to come and have a cup of coffee and cake and the proceeds from that went to the organisation,” Goddard said.

Shoprite Checkers publicity brand manager Angelique Wagner said their long-standing relationship with Cansa has enabled them to raise over R7-million with in-store fund-raising.

“Shoprite and Checkers will donate a portion of all cakes sold in their stores during the month of June to Cansa, making it easier for the general public to support Cansa,” Wagner said.

In terms of funding challenges, the regional office does not receive a direct government subsidy – the main Cansa organisation is given a 2% subsidy by the national government which it shares between all its various branches. This means that its regional offices are dependent largely on external fundraising in order to stay afloat.

Amathole Region chairman of Relay For Life, Wayne Weyer said national projects such as Relay For Life saw the organisation honour those currently fighting cancer, celebrate survivors and remember those who had passed on.

“It's an overnight relay where we take turns to walk around an athletics track all night,” said Weyer

Raising cancer awareness in men is something that the East London community can look forward to in November.

“We have the Toolbox Trot that takes place at a golf course at night to raise awareness for testicular and prostate cancers, among other cancers.

“The toolbox symbolises the male organs,” Goddard said.