The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) will launch its 23rd annual Shavathon on March 1, at selected shopping malls across the country.
The event will continue throughout March with community and workplace events bringing South Africans together to show solidarity with those affected by cancer.
This year’s theme, “Fearless Hair to Show You Care,” highlights the courage cancer survivors display on their journeys.
For over two decades, the Shavathon has united communities in support of cancer survivors.
Shaving or spraying hair in bright colours has become a powerful way to raise awareness, as losing hair is often a side effect of cancer treatment.
Supporting the cause
Anita Snyders, Cansa’s national sustainability manager, explained, “Shavathon provides a great opportunity for organisations to run fun events that encourage team building and volunteerism while also spreading vital cancer awareness.”
For many, the Shavathon is a personal cause.
Mandy Nel, a long-time supporter, shared: “Cancer has affected my life in many ways. I’ve lost family members to the disease and see the resilience of survivors.
“Supporting the Shavathon is a way to honour those we’ve lost and those still fighting, reminding them they are not alone.”
How to take part
Join a Shavathon event at participating malls on March 1 (some events may be held on March 2 —check the event directory on the Cansa Shavathon website for details).
You can shave or spray your hair in solidarity with survivors, and hair donations will be accepted to make wigs for cancer patients.
• Donation fees: R50 per adult and R25 per child under 12.
• Limited edition headwear: R60 per item (while stocks last).
• Hair donations: Certificates will be given for donations of 25 cm or longer (shorter lengths are also accepted to be used as fillers in wigs).
Snyders added, “Although we are hosting events at fewer malls, you can attend a community Shavathon or host your own if you can’t make it to a mall event.”
Funds raised go towards Cansa’s care and support services for cancer patients, caregivers, and their families.
Services include counselling, home-based care, wigs, breast prostheses, medical equipment hire, cancer screenings, and educational awareness campaigns.
Hosting a community Shavathon
Schools, churches, clubs, and individuals can host their own Shavathon events. For events with more than 50 participants, contact your local Cansa Care Centre.
Cansa staff and volunteers will provide shavers, capes, sprays, stencils, and posters. After the event, leftover supplies should be returned to the Care Centre.
For smaller events (fewer than 50 people), organisers can pick up a Shavathon kit from the local care centre and return unused supplies and raised funds afterwards.
Alternatively, event organisers can register on the Cansa eShop, purchase stock, and transfer raised funds to Cansa as per the banking details provided.
Workplace events
Traditionally, workplaces are encouraged to host Shavathons from March 3 to March 31.
However, events can now be held year-round.
Workplaces can either purchase stock through the Cansa eShop or arrange for supplies and support through their local Care Centre.
Be a fundraising champion
Cansa is also calling on fundraising champions to raise funds online through GivenGain.
Fundraisers can rally friends and family to support their efforts and win prizes. Every contribution helps Cansa offer education, screening, and essential services to those impacted by cancer.
For those who choose not to shave, colouring hair or paying a bail out fee are great alternatives.
Volunteers are also encouraged to get involved in the Shavathon to help make the events successful.
For enquiries, visit shavathon.org.za.
