As part of its Cuppa for CANSA campaign, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) in Gqeberha partnered with Checkers for a fund-raising launch event held at Checkers Bay West on June 1.
This initiative aimed at raising much needed funds to support cancer patients and their families.
Esmerelda Essex, Public Relations Manager for Checkers in the Eastern Cape, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration.
“We’re delighted to be joining CANSA again, and helping to raise funds for an organisation that plays a pivotal role in cancer patient care and support. Cuppa events started on June 1, and will end on June 30 at all Checkers stores in the Eastern Cape,” said Essex.
Local comedian, Francois Scholtz, hosted the event and Sister Penny Olwage, an occupational health nurse practitioner and breast cancer survivor, shared her inspirational story. Recognised as a “Global Hero of Hope” by CANSA and the American Cancer Society, Olwage’s commitment to helping and inspiring others resonated with attendees.
Marius de Vries, Sustainability Coordinator for the CANSA Gqeberha Care Centre, highlighted the importance of Checkers’ involvement.
“We’re so grateful and excited to have Checkers on board for the Cuppa season. Their continued support helps us to provide vital services to those impacted by cancer.
“This includes early detection through cancer education and screenings, patient care and support, support groups, counselling, and the hire of wigs and medical equipment. Our volunteers play a crucial role in patient care, health talks, and exhibition requests,” he said.
The Cuppa events are about getting a group and having fun together, and of course, sharing a Cuppa of any beverage while a guest speaker shares a word of encouragement, or testimony of how they beat cancer. Guests are expected to make a donation towards CANSA, and the funds raised are used to enable care and support programmes at local CANSA Care Centres.
CANSA provides extensive support for cancer patients in Gqeberha and surrounding areas, including accommodation at the CANSA Strelitzia Care Home for those undergoing treatment far from home.
The home offers counselling and transport to and from treatment and oncology centres. Additionally, CANSA offers confidential, free, professional cancer-related telephonic counselling in multiple languages, via its CANSA Tele Counselling service, available to patients, caregivers, families, and parents or guardians of children living with cancer.
For more information and to stay updated on the Cuppa for CANSA campaign, visit the Facebook page, CANSA Eastern Cape.
