The colour pink is associated with love and compassion according to Pinterest. Today this analogy certainly rang true as the sea of pink permeated through the Algoa FM Big Walk routes in Gqeberha, East London and George.
More than 11 000 people joined the Big Walk for Cancer to celebrate survivors, and honour loved ones undergoing treatment and remembering those who succumbed to the disease.
“We are extremely pleased with the turnout of this event after two years of virtual participation. The atmosphere in all three centres was incredible and the purpose of the participants was clearly demonstrated by the names and images of loved ones displayed on their T-shirts and the messages of love and hope written on the Isuzu vehicles during the course of the walk,” said Alfie Jay, Algoa FM Managing Director.
He added that Algoa FM remains committed to its cause, creating cancer awareness while raising funds for cancer related initiatives.
It is also the first time in its 24-year history that the event was held simultaneously in George and in East London, affording an opportunity to listeners from the broader broadcast area to physically participate in the walk Jay explained. “We expect the event to grow in these cities in the same way it has grown in Nelson Mandela Bay,” he said.
Big Walk partner, the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, was represented in East London and Gqeberha, with the MEC for this department, Nonceba Kontsiwe participating in the walk in Gqeberha. She said that walking was a good way of showing support for one another. “Being out in the fresh air strengthens our well-being and gives us energy. Cancer survivors and those undergoing treatment certainly felt that they were not alone on their journey,” said Kontsiwe.
Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor, Retief Odendaal, thanked Algoa FM for bringing so many residents together for a good cause. “Cancer has no preference, it affects everyone, irrespective of race, sexual orientation, religion or age. This event shows that if we stand together, we can overcome many things,” said Odendaal.
This year’s beneficiary is CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, a non-profit organisation which supports children and teenagers, who are diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders, as well as their families. Solar panels will be installed at the CHOC facilities in East London and in Gqeberha.
To date, more than two million rand had been donated to cancer-related organisations. Jay said that the event will remain an essential activity on the radio station’s annual calendar. “We thank our sponsors, listeners and partners for their unwavering support in making this event a success.”
