Cancer fundraiser a ‘winning recipe’

mtechSep 4, 2024

The community showed up in droves to support the Southern Africa Animal Cancer Association’s (SAACA) Lace-Up for Cancer fundraiser at the Wild Coast Sun last Saturday morning.

Monica Govender (left), Radha Naidoo, Vanessa Stephen wore pink tutus to show their support.

It kicked off at 07:30, as South Coasters embarked on a legacy walk through the open venue.
At the pool area, a morning and afternoon of fun-filled and interactive activities such as aqua zumba, yoga, garden meditation, fusion dance and acupuncture took place.

Sandy Kathrayan Moodley leads the aqua zumba session.

The provincial director of SAACA and event organizer, Madeleine Pretorius, is grateful for the community’s support. She said that people from the UK bought tickets to offer support, although unable to attend. Some 283 tickets were sold, which indicated the success of the event.

Cassi Volkwyn leads the yoga class with a world-class sea view.

SAACA is one of 45 organizations that falls under the Cancer Alliance. The original Lace-Up event took place in Cape Town on February 3, which inspired Madeleine to host one on the South Coast.
“I took on the challenge,” she explained.

Ankia van der Westhuizen (left) and Andruscha Gomes at the activities after the legacy walk.

Madeleine also believes that the event has broken the ice for upcoming events and has given the community a clear idea of what to expect in the future.

Monica Govender (left), Radha Naidoo and Vanessa Stephen wore pink tutus to show their support.

“Next year will be a different game,” he explained.

Asimbonge Khowa (left) and Okuhle Mhlongo brought some youthful energy to the drive.

Madeleine also hopes that the success of this event will also inspire other Cancer Alliance groups to set up their own Lace-Up events.

Volunteers Cammi Govender and Tarushna Gounder (left), Madeleine Pretorius (provincial director of SACCA), Jua-Lize Pretorius (ambassador) and Pranisha Bhooden (South Coast Mammography Centre) celebrate moments before the race starts.

Salome Meyer, the CEO of Cancer Alliance commented that the event was a ‘winning recipe’.
According to Madeleine, cancer research and early detection can save the lives of patients. “Not everyone gets a second chance. If you do, go out and make a difference.”