Parlotones' song for CANSA Shavathon

"As a cause that is close to our hearts we are excited to be part of such a life-changing event as CANSAs Shavathon," said Kahn Morbee of the Parlotones.

2011 is the year in which CANSA turns 80 years old. Sue Janse van Rensburg, CANSA CEO and cancer survivor of 27 years explained: "We are so excited about having the support of a South African band and their song to highlight this special 8th CANSA Shavathon in the year that we also celebrate our 80th anniversary. And we hope that Shavathon 2011 will help to unite the nation in the fight against cancer and help raise funds so that we can continue supporting cancer survivors and those affected by cancer."

Shavathon 2011 will have an extra corporate Shavathon day on Thursday, 3 March, followed by Friday the 4th . The public can participate on Saturday the 5th at their nearest shopping centre. "Last year's Shavathon was a resounding success thanks to the thousands of South Africans who showed solidarity with cancer survivors at their schools, workplaces and shopping centres countrywide," added Janse van Rensburg.

Become a Shavathon activist

You can also help by becoming a Shavathon activist and creating your own fund-raising page on the Shavathon website. Set up your online fund-raising profile, write a short overview of what your aim is and why people should sponsor your project. Then invite all your friends, colleagues, employees and family to your fund-raising page and ask them to give donations for CANSAs Shavathon. Keep your fund-raising project alive with updates, photos and videos while tracking your progress.

Workplaces and organisations can also create their own fund-raising accounts and challenge their employees to support their projects and match their employees' contribution. You can also show your support by participating in events hosted in centres throughout the country from 3 to 5 March, 2011, for a R50 donation, children under 12 pay R25, or by making a secure online donation. For those who want to add an extra fun touch to hair colour-spraying, stencils can be purchased at R12 per pack of six.

Patient care and support

South Africans from all over the country can help raise funds for CANSAs unique integrated service including prevention and education programmes, patient care and support in the form of 13 Interim Homes in the main metropolitan areas for out-of-town cancer patients, support centres that offer stoma and lymphoedema clinics, medical equipment hire, toll-free line and support to children and their families affected by cancer.

Go to www.shavathon.org.za to register your workplace event and order your consumables by 23 February, 2011, and see CANSA Shavathon Facebook for updates. You can also support CANSA Shavathon on Saturday, 5 March, 2011, at a shopping centre near you. For more information, contact Margie Laubscher at +27 (0)11 616 7662 or email az.gro.asnac@nohtavahs.