CANSA MANDELA DAY INITIATIVES

Mandela Day is a reminder that each of us has the power to make an impact through acts of kindness, no matter how big or small. This year, CANSA honours those who dedicate their lives to caring for others while also extending a helping hand to communities across South Africa.

As part of our Mandela Day initiatives, CANSA Information and Support Desk staff and volunteers presented certificates of appreciation to healthcare workers who care for patients every day. Their compassion, dedication and unwavering commitment make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families, and we wanted to take this opportunity to thank them for the incredible work they do.

Across the country, CANSA social workers and volunteers also gave back to their communities through a variety of outreach activities. These included:

• Serving soup and handing out care packs to patients at Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital in Rustenburg on 16 July
• Visit to Goue Aar Old Age Home on 17 July to spend time with the residents and hand out pink towels
• Westridge support group (Cape Town) held a sandwich drive on 15 July
• Handing out small blankets to patients at Steve Biko Hospital in Pretoria on 17^h July with members of Eersterust support group
• Worcester social worker and volunteers serving soup to patients and survivors on 17 July
• Visit to old age home in George to hand out blankets and engage with the residents
• Visiting holiday programmes at two schools in George to hand out blankets and facecloths and provide the children with cancer information

Lisa Strydom, National Manager of Care and Support at CANSA, says the spirit of giving should continue beyond Mandela Day.

“At CANSA, we’re always in need of donations of non-perishable food items to help support vulnerable individuals and families affected by cancer. We encourage members of the public to extend the spirit of Mandela Day by donating non-perishable groceries at their nearest CANSA Care Centre. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps us continue supporting those who need it most.”

Whether it’s volunteering your time, donating essential food items or simply showing appreciation to those who care for others, every act of kindness has the power to make a lasting impact. Together, we can continue demonstrating kindness in the lives of people affected by cancer and help ensure that the spirit of Mandela Day lives on throughout the year.

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Did You Know?
Your donations enable free services, for example, CANSA Tele and Virtual counselling in most SA languages by trained counsellors, support groups (face-to-face; WhatsApp and FBK); guidance from our Clinical Nurses regarding coping with the side effects of cancer, cancer treatment, dietary tips, stoma care and pain management – enquire at info@cansa.org.za; our Advocacy department assists patients experiencing stock shortages, delays in screening and cancer treatment, and lack of access to appropriate pain management medications; transport to and from cancer treatment centres is provided to our cancer patients staying at CANSA Care Homes, who would otherwise live too far away to receive treatment. Children and teens with cancer and their parents / guardians stay at our CANSA TLC Lodges for free during treatment. Our two TLC wig banks for children / teens provide free wigs to those in need.