GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — Cancer survivors and their friends, families and supporters throughout the area are invited to attend the first ever '5 000 Steps for Cancer' event being hosted by the Pink Trees for Pauline Graaff-Reinet committee on Saturday, October 22 in Graaff-Reinet.
All proceeds from the event will help support the work of the Graaff-Reinet and District Cancer Association.
HOW IT ALL CAME TO BE
Pink Trees for Pauline, is a non-profit charity that aspires to create awareness, unite communities and raise money for those afflicted with cancer.
This project - which has raised over R450 000 in Graaff-Reinet alone since its inception in 2012 - was started when Graaff-Reinetter Carol-Ann van Jaarsveld took the legacy of her mother and grandmother and turned it into an epic tale of hope and encouragement.
Van Jaarsveld, who had lost her mother and grandmother, both named Pauline, to cancer, acted on her dream to communicate the legacy of these two women, by way of a very unique project in Graaff-Reinet.
The ‘Pink Trees for Pauline’ initiative was then realised. Each year, since 2012, all the trees along the roads in Graaff-Reinet have been wrapped in pink material during the month of October to raise an awareness about cancer. The sales of the pink material used to wrap the trees as well as many generous donations generated much needed funds for the local Cancer Association.
Shortly after its inception in Graaff-Reinet the project was launched nationwide and now, the vision Van Jaarsveld once had, serves as the driving force behind many people who are wrapping South Africa and Namibia in pink to signify new life during and after cancer.
THE FIRST OF ITS KIND
'5 000 Steps for Cancer' is the first walk for cancer awareness of its kind to be held in Graaff-Reinet and this year replaces the annual 'Pink Release' which saw thousands of balloons being released in Graaff-Reinet in 2014 and 2015.
The event will have an early morning start at the Botanics Sports Grounds from where participants will traverse the 5 000 steps - which comes down to roughly 3.8km - along a specified 'remembrance route'.
Those wishing to participate, can secure their entry by purchasing a pink ribbon at R10 each from designated vendors in Graaff-Reinet.
The organisers hope to sell in the vicinity of 5 000 ribbons. Those purchasing a ribbon are invited to pay for more than - the extra ribbons will then be distributed among the less fortunate so that they too will be able to participate in the walk.
Participants can then write a name of someone they've lost to cancer, a cancer survivor or cancer sufferer on the ribbon before the walk commences. They'll keep the ribbon with them while walking along the 'remembrance route' - each step signifying the journey, they or someone they've loved, have taken through their cancer struggle.
The ribbons can then be tied to a tree along the way at any point participants feel inclined to do so. It is hoped that the walk will serve as emotional support to those needing a release from their struggle with cancer, whether it was a loved one's battle or their own.
Those who wish to participate in the walk are requested to wear a Pink Trees for Pauline t-shirt - old or new.
“All cancer survivors, their families, friends and loved ones and anyone interested in increasing cancer awareness and hope for survivors can join us,” said André van Rensburg, one of the event planners and the Pink Trees for Pauline Graaff-Reinet committee chairperson. “This event will be a lot of fun and will help raise money for a great cause.”
For more information about the '5 000 Steps for Cancer' or to make a donation, contact Van Rensburg at 071 870 5081.
• Organisers are hoping to turn this event into an annual one, therefore they are looking for a sponsor to attach to the name. Any business who would like their name attached to the event for a donation of R10 000 can contact Van Rensburg in this regard.
• Ribbons can already be purchased from Our Yard and Polka in Somerset Street, Graaff-Reinet. T-shirts and pink material are also being sold at these vendors.
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