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Cansa Shavathon fever hits South Africa

A young supporter at the 2013 Cansa Shavathon in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.
A young supporter at the 2013 Cansa Shavathon in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.
Cansa
On Saturday 1 March 2014, the 11th annual Cansa Shavathon will hit shopping centres across South Africa. Cansa is calling all to round up their contacts and friends and head out to a shopping centre near them to shave, spray, or wrap their heads in solidarity for those affected by cancer.

Why we are shaving, spraying and wrapping it

Cansa Shavathon is a fundraising initiative that has crept into the hearts of South Africans, with many people from all backgrounds, ages, races and creeds getting involved and showing support.

"It’s become an event that has the full support of the broadest range of South Africans imaginable. Ordinary citizens have embraced the event with enthusiasm as it provides them with a highly symbolic way of showing their solidarity with cancer survivors and to fight back against the disease, says Lucy Balona, Cansa’s Head: Marketing and Communication.

"It’s also very popular as a team building opportunity and gives those that wish to make a contribution to the cancer cause, the opportunity to volunteer for Cansa – South Africa’s leading non-profit organisation to fight cancer."

Read: The different types of cancer

Celebs invite you to participate

Cansa Shavathon radio adverts are in full swing on radio stations across SA, with Rozanne McKenzie, radio & TV presenter, as the radio voice for the 2014 ads, while musicians Danny K and Toya Delazy lend their music and singing talent to these ads.

Elana Afrika, (Cansa ambassador) radio & TV presenter, Ian Bredenkamp, radio presenter; Mark Pilgrim, (cancer survivor ) radio & TV presenter and Marc Lottering, comedian; are among a string of South African celebs and media personalities who will give their time and support in promoting the Cansa Shavathon.

Read: Living with cancer

Putting their weight behind Shavathon

Cansa Shavathon attracts people from all corners of South Africa taking part in the initiative in some way or another. Torsten Koehler, testicular cancer survivor and author of Love Your Nuts, is throwing his weight behind the cause and promoting awareness of early cancer detection; Johan Oschman, avid stock car racer, is shaving his beard in solidarity for his family members affected by cancer; and Stefan Hurter is donating his 22cm ponytail to Cansa for it to be made into a wig for a cancer survivor who needs it.

“Everyone has their own reason for getting involved and participating, and by having cancer survivors, such as Torsten, who share their stories, it helps to connect other survivors and patients and their loved ones with someone who has ‘been there’.

"It helps to give a powerful message – early detection is key when it comes to cancer screening and it is important to encourage others to go for regular screening, as well as giving hope that cancer can be overcome and that they are not alone.” says Balona.

Read: Cancer triggers and prevention

How can you participate in Shavathon 2014?

South Africans can expect some additional surprises with this year’s Cansa Shavathon – the introduction of new Cansa Wraps with UV protection and cool designs for people to purchase and wear in support of cancer survivors. There are also new stencil shapes that will be available at all venues for those looking to spray in solidarity.

Cansa asks all to support Cansa Shavathon and shave, spray or donate a ponytail at a shopping centre event on Saturday 1 March 2014 for a R50 donation fee for adults and R25 for children under 12 years old. Cansa Wraps will also be on sale for R50 and UV Cansa Wraps at R100.

See full list of participating shopping centres here.

Can’t make it to a Shavathon? – supporters can still get involved by opting to "Bail Out" and make a donation online.
Online Fundraising & Social Media Competitions

Another way to get involved and donate to the cause, is by supporting the individual and corporate online fundraising activists. You can also register and become an online fundraising activist.

Cansa is encouraging people to participate in some pre-Shavathon fun on Twitter by tweeting their most creative selfie or Shavathon selfie, using the hashtag #selfieforshavathon. There are great prizes up for grabs – see competition details here and enter now!

The 2014 Shavathon Facebook Competition has officially launched, and ends on Saturday, 15 March 2014 at 00:00 (12am midnight). See entry requirements, competition details, prizes & in depth info re prizes here.

Visit www.shavathon.org. za for more info.

Cansa Shavathon press release

Read more:
Early warning signs of cancer
4 common myths about cancer
10 ways to prevent cancer
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