How you can buy a flip flop sticker for R10 today and assist children with cancer
BY Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE BUSINESS-Editor-In-Chief
Recently a group of media people, celebrities and businesspeople found themselves in one place –a Southern Sun Hotel in Sandton City.
Yes, the drinks were great and so was the food, as well as mingling and exchanging polite pleasantries. And so were the jokes and the music by a hilarious musician, who also doubled as the MC at the event. We were all understandably excited and in good company. But that was just before our consciences were jolted as the reality of why we were all invited there was unveiled. This is the reality of children who suffer from cancer. And yes there are there right here in South Africa and the number is a staggering 1800 -2000 of those diagnosed with this disease annually.
And it is not by choice, or that they did anything that would make them susceptible to picking up this disease. Nothing. We were told.
But what makes the situation even worse is the fact that when that happens, families affected become powerless, confused and even lose the capacity to earn a living and look after their families as they have to face the crisis. Sometimes families find themselves unable to support themselves as they lose the means to earn a living. Even worse they struggle to find transport money to take their child to hospital for treatment, a mandatory routine in order to contain the disease.
Fortunately help is there through an organisation called CHOC (Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa). The organization does sterling work of supporting families affected by child cancer by providing them the means to take care of the needs of the child, such as transport to hospital for treatment. But this organisation in order to don its work properly needs money, and that is where you and I come in, we were told.
And you and I can do something today, a little thing that does not cost much, but will go a long way in assisting. Today, Friday, February 17, 2023 is the day when you can make that difference. It is Flip Flop Day, Friday 17th February – a time when all South Africans can come together to support this incredible initiative and the inspiring work this NPO does for children and teens fighting cancer – at a cost of just R10!
Maybe it is perhaps necessary to put the context this way: Did you know, in some way or form, each and every single one of us is affected by childhood cancer? While it may not affect you directly in some cases – it could be someone close to you – a beloved family member or the child of a close friend or colleague. But one thing is for certain – we all know of one brave little child or teenager fighting against it every day.
But they’re never alone – these courageous soldiers will always have the support, love and strength from those around them, even if it’s through a donation from a stranger who they will never meet.
CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa is an advocate for the fight against this life-threatening illness – offering psychosocial, emotional and patient facing support to families and children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer.
One such beneficiary is Nontobeko Dlakavu and her son, Owami, who were Guests of Honour at the Flip Flop Day Media Launch three weeks ago at the exquisite Southern Sun Hotel Deck in Sandton.
There was not a dry eye in the house as Nontobeko shared with the invited guests in the packed out venue, how she as a single mother, and her son have been affected.
Owami was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 11 in November 2021, and have received invaluable support from CHOC in the form of accommodation and transport, making their journey of childhood cancer a little easier. The guests, made up of media, celebrities and influencers, were thrilled to hear that Owami now only has one bout of chemotherapy remaining.
This is just one of many similar stories that can fill your heart with hope as you support this worthy initiative in aid of the essential work CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africadoes!
Made up of passionate, caring, committed and dedicated staff and volunteers, CHOC’s one goal is simple – to save lives through early detection, and to enable us all to stand up, stand strong and stand together to support these fearless little warriors.
Our 4th Annual Flip Flop Day Is Almost Here!
We’re not really about counting the days here – we’re more about making each and every day count. CHOC is about using HOPE as the medicine for all diseases.
And so, Flip Flop Day and Flippie have stepped up to the forefront to get every South African – young or old, the corporate or casual, the beach-side dweller or the city slicker – to get up and literally wear their heart on their soles today, Friday, 17th February 2023!
Flippie has told us to pass this message to you, “Rise up and join us! Kick off those shoes and let your toes be free on Friday, the 17th of February 2023 by showing your support and love for our warriors by flipping on a pair of flip flops. Let’s show this life-threatening disease that we South Africans are a force to be reckoned with!
“I’m ready to show my support! Where can I get my Flip Flop Day sticker?”
From the horse’s mouth
“As the needs of the children, teenagers and their families increase and our desire to enhance our augmentation of the medical fraternity treatment continues, we are aiming to raise even more than R2 MILLION last year!
Partnered for greatness, you can get your sticker for only R10 at your nearest PNA, Tekkie Town, or by visiting www.choc.org.za or popping into your nearest CHOC region. Online options also include PayFast, PayPal (so international supporters can support us too) and other similar digital platforms.
Two exciting announcements for Flip Flop Day 2023
There is an awesome competition with FlySafairwhere there is a post online that once you have purchased stickers, you can share and like it and you have the chance to win a return flight within South Africa.
The Courier Guy has recently partnered with us to take off the pressure of courier fees for all stickers that are bought online, providing the delivery service at no cost.
We thank you all of our partners for believing in CHOC and the work that we do and we look forward to building these relationships in the future!
Hedley Lewis, CEO of CHOC, comments; “Your small donation will make the biggest difference in the lives of these valiant little ones and their families. You may think your R10 is unimportant, that it cannot make an impact. With your R10, you are not only helping CHOC fund their Core Programmes, but you’ll also be giving the gift of hope, solidarity and support to anyone and everyone fighting against cancer”.
So, are you ready to be flip’n awesome this Flip Flop Day? Ready to flip on your favourite pair of flip flops and rock out with your toes out?
Corporate companies, small businesses, ladies and gents, boys and girls – let’s do this together – let’s help pave the way with love and support for these amazing kids to see a brighter tomorrow.”