For every meter of the five kilometre course, R60 was raised for cancer treatment and support at the 2016 Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer, presented by the Eastern Cape Department of Health.
Among the 11 000 walkers who braved rain and wind were the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Phumulo Masualle, the MEC of Health, Dr Pumza Dyantyi, the MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Pemmy Majodina, and the Executive Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Athol Trollip.
The annual walk, which is one of the biggest charity events in the Eastern Cape, raised a total of R300 000 to support non-profit cancer organisations in the Eastern Cape.
The Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa (CHOC), the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Igazi Foundation each received R100 000 at a formal cheque hand-over, held in Port Elizabeth on Friday, March 31.
The Igazi Foundation has already used the proceeds donated by the walk to purchase a much-needed X-ray Machine.
“This machine saves lives. Before the machine arrived, we had to send our patients to Livingstone Hospital to have X-rays done, which was extremely inconvenient” says Cole Cameron of the Igazi Foundation.
CANSA will be using the funds to restore and maintain the Strelitzia Care Home.
“It is a home-away-from-home that accommodates patients undergoing cancer treatment at the oncology clinics that are located far from their homes. The Strelitzia Care Home provides a safe and comfortable environment for patients who are undergoing treatment,” says CANSA’s, Marius de Vries.
“CHOC will be using the donation to service its key areas at the Provincial Hospital Paediatric Oncology Unit.
“The money will be used to support our psychosocial services, and to transport children in Port Elizabeth and from the surrounding areas such as Tsitsikamma, Cradock and Grahamstown, to receive treatment at the Provincial Hospital Paediatric Oncology Unit,” says Anne-Marie Stephenson the Fundraising Manager of CHOC Port Elizabeth.
The Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer has been nominated in two categories, “Community Project” and “Promotions/Stunt Event”, at the 2017 Liberty Radio Awards.
“The success of the walk, the money it raises in support of the fight against cancer, and the recognition it receives is all thanks to Algoa Country. Without the support of the community, it wouldn’t be as successful,” says the managing director of Algoa FM, Dave Tiltmann.
The 2017 Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer will be held on the 4th of November.
