Volunteer power at Westgate CANSA Shavathon
Several people sat down to donate to the worthy cause
The yearly trim and colour fest that is the CANSA Shavathon has been in full force nationwide. Westgate attempted to do their part in the fight against cancer when they held their annual event on Saturday 29 February.
Month-end shoppers were generally reluctant to sit down for a spray or a shave, seemingly preoccupied with the other delights found at the mall. There were some, however who brought the right spirit and duly took a seat in the makeshift barber’s chair. For a R50 donation, the supporters could either spray their hair any of the multitude of colours or take the brave option of chopping it all off.
While there were no drastic hair alterations on the day, Suzan Viljoen proved the boldest, stepping up to the plate to cut off her ponytail. Manning the spray cans and shearers was bubbly volunteer Thandeka Ncube. “It’s great to see people so full of life and to speak to survivors who are so full of hope,” said Thandeka, who even though she is unemployed, puts her time to good use.
The CANSA Shavathon is propelled almost entirely by volunteers like Thandeka. In her first year of volunteering for CANSA she has already lent her time to their Walkathon. Having worked at call centres and in restaurants before, Thandeka admitted the job search had been tough. Embodying the spirit of helping others even when their own situation is bleak, Thandeka, supporters and other volunteers are ensuring that cancer can be beaten.
