Epic Fundraiser For CANSA Active
Two intrepid cyclists, Jaco Swanepoel and Martin Cilliers, are teaming up with Ciovita (one of the leading manufacturers of cycling apparel worldwide) to create a heartwarming, and epic, campaign to raise funds for the CANSA as part of their Absa Cape Epic experience in 2024.
#FeelGoodFun #CANSAActive #LowerCancerRisk #BraveTheUntamed
The campaign features a special edition Absa Cape Epic cycling jersey created by Ciovita. For a donation of R100, one can submit the name of a cancer survivor, or that of a loved one lost to cancer, and once 1000 names have been reached, Ciovita will print the names on the jersey.
The jersey will be available to purchase on Ciovita’s online store, where a further amount from the sale of each one, will be donated towards Jaco and Martin’s fundraising efforts for CANSA.
Both Jaco and Martin are extremely proud, and thrilled, to combine their love of cycling and making a difference by undertaking this project.
“We all have someone close to us that we know of that was affected by cancer. Absa Cape Epic for CANSA is my way of giving back through cycling. If you do not have health, you have nothing. We only live once, so why not make a difference?” says Jaco.
The campaign, and event, holds a particularly special place for Martin, “Why CANSA you, may ask? Well, I lost my Grandparents to cancer, at an early age (six years old). The last two years were tough in a personal capacity, as my uncle passed on and close work colleagues and friends were diagnosed with cancer. When the opportunity arose to do the Absa Cape Epic, to create awareness for cancer, I could not let this pass and grabbed it with both hands! It is a privilege to collaborate with CANSA and Ciovita and we look forward to giving a special space to honour and recognise those affected by cancer.”
Charl Neethling, from CIOVITA adds, “We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with CANSA and contribute in our way to the incredible work they do. Their tireless efforts in providing invaluable services, support, and resources to cancer patients and survivors, along with the education and preventative initiatives across South Africa and beyond, make them the worthiest of causes and we’re excited to be creating a truly unique jersey with a special touch, carrying a message of hope and remembrance.”
The Absa Cape Epic, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, is the only eight-day mountain bike stage race classed as hors catégorie by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). The race must be completed by both members of a two-person team through, roughly, 700 untamed kilometres of unspoiled scenery and up 16 000m of climbing.
“This partnership is setting the trend for new and innovative ways for CANSA to provide awareness and education through our collaboration. Our CANSA Cape EPIC riders raised almost R966 000 in 2023. This initiative by Martin and Jaco, as part of their fundraising campaign, is breaking the barriers – by initiating a meaningful way to include cancer survivors and their families and the opportunity to remember loved ones we have lost to cancer – in a very special way,” shares, Leillani Geduld – National Corporate Relations and Sporting Events Manager.
CANSA believes that a balanced lifestyle is key to lowering your cancer risk. Funds raised through campaigns like this, enables CANSA to raise awareness on how to lower the cancer risk through health campaigns and educate about the importance of knowing the symptoms of cancer. It further supports CANSA’s service needs, specifically its care and support programmes which include counselling (Face-to-Face and Tele Counselling), support groups, medical equipment hire, wigs, prostheses, stoma products, and accommodation if patients are living far from treatment centres at CANSA Care Homes across South Africa.
Donations towards Jaco and Martin’s campaign can be made via their online fundraising page on GivenGain.
CANSA knows that there will be ups and downs in every race. The path isn’t always straightforward and easy, just like a cancer survivor’s journey. Although entries are closed, supporters can still be a CANSA Active Champion by raising funds online or contact Leillani Geduld via 082 304 1272 or email lgeduld@cansa.org.za for a charity entry at a future Absa Cape Epic event.
(For more information, please contact Leillani Geduld, National Corporate Relations and Sporting Events Manager at CANSA at email lgeduld@cansa.org.za)
