Over 7 000 supporters of the 2021 Virtual Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer raised sufficient funds to pay for a brand-new transporter for the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC), as well as sporting equipment for a rural club.
The seven-seat transporter will be used in and around East London to transport children affected by cancer as well as their caregivers.
“The CHOC ‘vehicles of hope’ are safe and reliable methods of transport, enabling patients and their caregivers to be driven to and from the hospitals and the CHOC houses,” says CHOC CEO, Hedley Lewis.
“The vehicles reduce the financial burden on patients while minimizing contact with the public where they could be exposed to infections to their already compromised immunity.
“We sincerely appreciate Algoa FM who united a community via their “walk to donate a vehicle of hope” to CHOC. Through this generous donation you enable us to alleviate the financial stress on the families and assist our beneficiaries on their cancer journey by helping them to complete their treatment successfully,” he says.
In 2021 CHOC used the exposure provided by the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer to raise childhood cancer awareness as well as its early signs and symptoms within the region.
“Being chosen as the beneficiary of the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer has been a dream come true for CHOC East London”, says Eastern Cape Regional Manager, Debbie Kleinenberg.
“Not only have we received amazing coverage and awareness of childhood cancer, but we have also received a vehicle that will be used to support the CHOC families with daily transport to and from the hospital, as well as being used to visit communities to share information on the Early Warning Signs of Childhood Cancer.”
“Thank you Algoa FM, the sponsors and entrants of the 2021 Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer. We look forward to the 2022 Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer as we continue making a difference in the lives of those affected and infected by cancer,” added Kleinenberg.”
Fort Beaufort-based athletics club “P35 Sweaty and Strong” was nominated as the sports beneficiary for 2021 by the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC).
The sports club was founded in 2019 by Pindiwe Yengeni, a primary school teacher in the town.
“The Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture in partnership with the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer continues to promote a healthy lifestyle in the Eastern Cape,” says Assistant Manager for Recreation Development, Nozuko Damoyi.
“Many types of cancer are lifestyle diseases which can be prevented through regular exercise.
“In addition to its support for cancer organisations in the Eastern Cape, the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer raises funds for sporting equipment which is donated to under-resourced clubs.
“This equipment provides a foundation for the sports stars of tomorrow and promotes a healthy lifestyle in the community”, says Damoyi.
“Support for the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer came from all over the country, and it was encouraging to see the increase of organisations joining in on the pink fun,” says Algoa FM’s managing director, Alfie Jay.
“The Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture has partnered with the Algoa FM Big Walk for Cancer for a number of years, with the mutual goal of promoting a healthy lifestyle in the Eastern Cape”, says Jay.
