PinkDrive Breast Cancer campaign raises R144 000

The PinkDrive campaign, which was launched on 1 October, included a number of fundraising and education events as part of the organisation's commitment to improving breast cancer awareness, education, and providing and offering services to women across South Africa, particularly to those who don't enjoy easy access to information.

Edcon Group CSI manager Innocentia Buthelezi said: "Approximately one in 26 South African women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually, and as a family brand committed to serving the communities within which we operate, Edcon is especially proud to be able to partner with CMF in its PinkDrive campaign this year. Through various fundraising initiatives, via Edgars and Red Square stores, we have been privileged to be able to support CMF in its mission to educate and support women across South Africa about diagnosis, treatment and survival of breast cancer."

Funds will purchase a mobile mammography unit

Currently CMF has two mobile breast units, an education unit working in approximately 80 community health centres in Gauteng and a mammography unit, which operates at three community hospitals in the Western Cape.

Historically, Edgars and Red Square have supported breast cancer awareness as part of their commitment to caring for and educating customers on breast health, and this year the funds raised will be utilised to purchase a mobile mammography unit for use in rural areas to test women for breast cancer with the message that Early Detection Saves Lives.

Edgars and Red Square hosted a variety of PinkDrive fundraising initiatives, including luncheons and high coffee events in Cape Town and Joburg; as well as donating a percentage of turnover from fragrance sales in October. Edcon also hosted an internal Pink Day as part of an education initiative for staff, and included a demonstration by the PinkDrive mobile breast-check unit on how to perform a correct breast cancer self-test.

The most common cause of death

CMF's marketing manager, Sharon Smith, said: "Breast cancer is the most common cause of death in women aged between 40 and 50 years, and yet if it's detected early enough, it can be treated. This is especially challenging in rural areas where there is a limited access to health care. CMF provides free scanning and education to disadvantaged communities via local clinics, community health centres and specified hospitals.

PinkDrive runs two "Pink" mobile breast-check units in the Gauteng area, servicing approximately 80 community clinics, as well as corporate organisations in the area. The mobile mammography screening unit in the Western Cape operates through three hospitals, providing free mammography services to women in these communities.

For more information, go to www.edcon.co.za and www.pinkdrive.co.za.