FOR Gqeberha resident, Michele McLaggan, it’s her first time donating to the CANSA Shavathon fund-raising event.
But she’s not the first in her family to do it. In fact, it’s on the verge of becoming a family tradition.
Her grandson, Cale Rouquette, who lives in Johannesburg, started it off and he’s about to donate his hair for a wig for the third time.
He’s also challenged Michele to join him this year.
“I have a grandson who is 10 and he has already donated two wigs. He’s going to donate again this year and so is his best friend,” said Michele.
“So they’ve grown their hair long enough that it’s over the 25cm required for a wig.”
Cale’s twin sister, Kalyna, will also be supporting the event this year.
Michele said she stopped cutting her hair when COVID-19 struck and it’s grown long enough that she’s also donating her hair for a wig this weekend.
Cale’s mom had told him all about the CANSA Shavathon event and told him it’s a good thing to support.
“He mentioned that people have always teased him about his long hair,” Michele said. “It’s been difficult for him. He says that in his heart he knows that he’s going to grow his hair again. He doesn’t mind what anybody says, he knows he’s doing it for a good cause.
“I wanted to do this to say to him (Cale) that we can all make a difference because that’s why he’s doing it.
“His other grandmother is a survivor of breast cancer.”
Michele’s sister-in-law will also be donating hair to the event. Cale’s mom has posted on Instagram to inspire others to follow his story and his example to support CANSA.
“It has not been an easy ride for him being bullied and having to constantly explain the reason behind growing his hair. He has a very caring heart, he explores nature and finds out about the harm we do to the environment.
“Cale attended a Shavathon when he was about five years old and having heard what it was about, then started growing his hair.
“His family supported his choice suggesting that providing dignity to another child in the way of a wig would be meaningful.
“Join the Sprayathon or Shavathon and make a difference! #inspiredbycaler”
THE countdown to this year’s CANSA Shavathon fund-raising event has begun.
CANSA invites everyone to celebrate by bringing family members, friends or colleagues to shave or spray in solidarity with those facing a cancer diagnosis.
The local Shavathons will take place on February 26 in Nelson Mandela Bay at Greenacres Shopping Centre, Baywest Mall, Walmer Park Shopping Centre and Moffett on Main Lifestyle Centre, from 08:00 to 16:00.
To shave or spray in a multitude of colours costs R50 per adult and R25 for children under 12. Donations of hair can be made towards making a wig for cancer survivors. All COVID-19 regulations apply.
All funds raised go directly towards providing CANSA’s care and support service to cancer patients and loved ones.
Raise funds online
Participants are also invited to open an online fund-raising page before participating in a Shavathon event and to invite others to support the action they will take on behalf of cancer survivors on the day, whether they shave, or spray, by making an online donation to the participant’s fund-raising page.
“We’re really thrilled to bring the public another opportunity to honour cancer survivors and raise vital funds for our care and support programmes. If you can’t make it, don’t forget that you can pay a ‘Bail Out Fee’ online,” said Maria Scholtz, CANSA’s head of sustainability.
Host your own Shavathon
Anyone can host a Shavathon event to raise funds for CANSA. It’s not limited to workplaces, organisations or schools.
To host your own Shavathon from February 28 to March 4, go to www.shavathon.org.za.
– ISSUED BY CANSA
