Living a life of significance is my main goal in this beautiful life I have been given, and so being involved in making a difference in various charities and NPOs is something I am very passionate about. It was with great happiness that a part of my Mrs South Africa journey included me putting together a fundraiser for The Cansa Association of SA.
The Pencil Members Club in Umhlanga Arch kindly opened their venue to us for the event, and to say it was a night filled with love, charm, open hearts and minds would be just scratching the surface of the depths of which this evening was. Of course, just like any event, it wasn’t without its stress, hiccups and moments of utter fear of failure… but people came through, people with the biggest of hearts and a shared purpose to make a difference.
I want to give a big thank you to our key sponsors of the event; The Pencil Members Club, Huizemark Ballito, The Window Boutique, The Floral Team, and countless others who joined forces to make the evening the massive success that it was.
All images were by NALA Photography.
CANSA enables research with regards to lowering its risk, educating the public regarding symptoms, screening and risk reduction, and providing care and support to all people affected by the disease.
Cancer treatment is incredibly expensive, and according to 2018 stats, only 16.5% of the South African population is on medical aid. This leaves a massive part of our population unable to afford the medication they need to fight this awful disease, which is incredibly unfair and a social injustice. CANSA helps those who can’t afford the medication they deserve. Our aim is to ensure that cancer survivors and their loved ones don’t have to face cancer alone. We are here to support them through every step of their cancer journey.
It was in coming together that we could raise a large sum of money for the CANSA association, and I am so very grateful.
The evening started with pre drinks at the bar upstairs, followed by the guests being welcomed into the Ballroom by the beautiful singing of Marijke. Canapes were served as guests were welcomed by MC DJ Jane-Linley Thomas. I shared some heartwarming videos of cancer survivors in remission, and then we held an auction hosted by Mr John Rootman, a five-times cancer survivor.
There were too many heart warming moments that took place on the evening to share them all, but one I do wish to share with you was an unbelievable rivalry for a signed Sharks jersey which was donated by The Rise Up Movement between two families. The bidding war went on and the bids went up and up, there were telecoms during the bidding and it was clear as day that both parties were desperately after this special piece. The final bid was finally won by one of my oldest and dearest friends’ husband. The lady he was bidding against was gutted as she wanted it for her son her who Sharks Rugby obsessed. Well, what happened next brought me to tears. After the jersey was paid for, my friends husband, a human with an enormous heart of gold, GIFTED the signed jersey to he very woman he was bidding against! It was unreal. It was a true show of human kindness. They didn’t even know one another. This was a gift to humanity, and certainly one that touched me in more ways than I can put into words.
People are amazing. Long may love last as it shuts out the darkness.
Thank you once more to everyone who made this evening what it was.
Coverage of the event
UKZN alumnus and Mrs SA 2022 finalist, Mrs Shan Fourie recently hosted a fundraising gala dinner for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).
Fourie studied marketing and psychology on the UKZN Pietermaritzburg campus. She said, ‘Being at UKZN prepared me for my career and gave me bravery to pursue my dreams.’
The event was held at The Pencil Club in uMhlanga, where an auction hosted by Mr John Rootman and MC and East Coast Radio, DJ Jane-Linley Thomas, raised a large sum of money for CANSA. https://bit.ly/3fER9Eu
