Sien die Afrikaanse Persvrystelling
28 November 2013: The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) celebrates International Volunteers Day on 5 December 2013, placing the limelight on one of CANSA’s most valuable and appreciated assets – CANSA volunteers. Over 30 CANSA Care Centres in South Africa pay tribute and show gratitude and appreciation to volunteers on this day through ‘thank you’ certificates, awards, gifts, as well as Volunteer training sessions.
International Volunteer Day was designated by the United Nations in 1985 as an international observance day to celebrate the power and potential of volunteerism. CANSA CEO, Sue Janse van Rensburg, states “More than 60% of our contracted volunteers are dedicated to helping our CANSA staff with care and support programmes, as well as promoting healthy living.”
CANSA recognises volunteers on this day, particularly paying attention to our youth volunteers as young people act as the agents of change in their communities.Tara Oldfield, 15 year old CANSA volunteer, cut her hair and donated it to CANSA. “This year, my hair wasn’t long enough, so I arranged an event at my school to raise funds and collected ponytails of hair to donate to CANSA Care Centres,” she explained.
Phakamisa volunteers are trained to educate women on breast cancer, early diagnosis and the importance of following a scientifically-based treatment regime as part of the Phakamisa Support Programme.
The Movember Navigation support programme involves recruiting and training male volunteers (referred to as ‘navigators’) to assist prostate and testicular cancer survivors.
Volunteers help survivors access the care they need from health and medical services, specifically public facilities, as quickly and efficiently as possible. They are trained to give care that is sensitive to each individual’s situation, culture and knowledge of cancer, as well as catering to the needs of their loved ones and caregivers.
Adds Janse van Rensburg, “Our more than 2 800 leader volunteers are part of our Business Unit Councils, Regional Management Committees, as well as functional Liaison Committees for our CANSA Care Centres – they contribute their skills and time to add value to our structures and programmes.”
Cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, killing more people than TB, Aids and Malaria combined. More than 100 000 South Africans are diagnosed with cancer every year and in order to win this fight, CANSA needs many more helping hands to extend their service in the community.
Top reasons for becoming a CANSA volunteer:
- Opportunities to meet new people and obtain new skills (in-service training provided)
- Do good and the opportunity to work for a worthy cause – see how CANSA fights cancer
- The chance to feel valued – volunteers feel a great sense of satisfaction in contributing their time, as well as enjoying the camaraderie of fellow volunteers
- A letter of reference and service record after serving CANSA for one year
- Gain experience in a particular field of work and build your CV
- An opportunity to go on excursions / participate in functions (educational)
- Continuing in-service training (with the possibility of eventual accreditation)
- Opportunity to contribute towards the fight against cancer
Make a difference right now and become a volunteer for CANSA or visit your local CANSA Care Centre to sign up as a volunteer.
For more info visit www.cansa.org.za or contact CANSA toll-free 0800 22 66 22 email: info@cansa.org.za. Follow CANSA on Twitter: @CANSA (http://www.twitter.com/@CANSA) and join CANSA on Facebook:CANSA The Cancer Association of South Africa https://www.facebook.com/CancerAssociationOfSouthAfrica