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Algoa FM is pleased to announce that the 2022 Big Walk for Cancer will be happening live in three locations on 5 November 2022.
Now in its 24th year, the mass charity event, which was held virtually over the past two years, will expand to East London and George. This development was inspired by the virtual participation of Algoa FM listeners in the broadcast region outside of Nelson Mandela Bay.
Algoa FM remains committed to its cause, creating cancer awareness while raising funds for cancer-related initiatives.
This year’s beneficiary is CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, a non-profit organisation which supports children and teenagers as well as their families, who are diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders.
Alfie Jay, Algoa FM Managing Director, said the Big Walk for Cancer is an essential event on the radio station’s annual calendar.
“It provides us with the opportunity to personally connect with our audience and communities while raising much-needed funds for charity. Cancer affects all of us in various ways, either directly or indirectly, and the contribution through this event can enable our beneficiaries to operate more efficiently in the fight against cancer,” said Jay.
For the first time in its 24-year history, the event will be held simultaneously in East London and in George.
“During the COVID-19 restrictions on events, we hosted the walk virtually and realised significant participation and interest from listeners throughout the broadcast region, including Broader Eastern Cape and the Garden Route.
Hosting the event in East London and George gives our audience the opportunity to physically experience the big walk.”
“We are very excited about this and trust that our listeners in these cities will enjoy the same vibrancy we have become accustomed to in Gqeberha,” Jay added.
Hedley Lewis, CHOC Chief Executive Officer, expressed his gratitude to Algoa FM for selecting the organisation as the beneficiary. “The support we received from the Big Walk for Cancer in the past was extremely beneficial and empowered us to provide our patients with the necessary life-saving care,” said Lewis.
The donation of this year’s proceeds will be used by CHOC to install solar energy panels at its facilities in Gqeberha and East London.
“The installation of solar panels will not only reduce our electricity costs, but it will ensure that when a family comes back from the treatment they can have a warm meal or bath. And in addition to this, if they need to stay up with a child who isn’t feeling well, the lights can still be on,” Lewis added.
The Big Walk for Cancer is supported by the Eastern Cape Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, MTN, aQuellé, and ISUZU Motors South Africa.
Event registration is now open on the Algoa FM website and the first 5 000 entrants will receive a free limited edition Big Walk for Cancer T-shirt.
The physical event starts at 08h00 on the morning of 5 November at the following venues:
Gqeberha - Pollock Beach, Beach Road, Summerstrand
George – Nedbank Running Club, Club House, Meent Street, Heather Park
East London – Old Selbornian Running Club, Pearce Street, Berea
In addition to the physical Big Walk for Cancer, participants outside of these three cities can support the Big Walk for Cancer by participating virtually, walking anywhere, and in their own time. Virtual participants can register in the same way as physical participants on the Algoa FM website.
“We would like people from all over the country to show their support, create awareness in their own area while remembering those who survived and those who succumbed to cancer,” said Jay.
Showing support is as easy as purchasing some fun pink merchandise online at www.algoafm.co.za and selecting your preference to either self-collect or receive your purchase via courier.
The proceeds for the Walk will be donated to CHOC.
