EDITOR'S COLUMN - Saturday morning, I joined hundreds of Graaff-Reinetters participating in the first ever Tracks4Cancer event in the Camdeboo National Park.

The event was a community gathering, organised by a local cancer survivor, to raise money that stays in Graaff-Reinet - money used to assist individuals and families touched by a cancer diagnosis with financial help, educational and supportive services. The volunteer-run Graaff-Reinet Cancer Association, which this event aimed to benefit, has - for years - been a real gift to our community, helping many and assuring they are not alone battling this horrendous disease.

The community members who gathered on Saturday were very diverse in their cultural and religious views: people with cancer, family and friends who support them, as well as those dealing with the grief of the loss of family and friends who died of cancer.

It was a great event that demonstrated the community's warmth and strength in celebrating people who have battled cancer, remembering loved ones lost, and taking action to help battle the disease.

Donations made by the participants on the day amounted to roughly R21 000.

Today I am writing this editorial to thank the hundreds of Graaff-Reinetters who donated so generously to this cause, the organisers for their efforts in arranging this fun event for the town of Graaff-Reinet and all the volunteers involved for their enthusiasm.

I felt proud to be a part of it and am thankful that I reside in a town where an effort is still made to help fellow citizens.

The annual Pink Trees for Pauline campaign, as well as the Pink Tea hosted by the ladies of the Spandau Secondary School is coming up in October - I would like to encourage the community to support these events and in so doing, help alleviate the financial burden of local cancer sufferers.

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