LIFESTYLE NEWS - Childhood cancer is a frightening diagnosis that no parent should ever have to deal with. But, unfortunately, it is a reality that many families across South Africa have to come to terms with. These families are facing the toughest battle they will ever have to face – along with their little warrior who is fighting right on the frontline, at the heart of the battle. But luckily, these brave children and teenagers, along with their families never have to stand alone.
Choc Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa is a registered and internationally recognised Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) whose aim it is to provide life changing and all-embracing support programmes to both the child or teenager and their families, from the get-go, once a diagnosis has been given.
Their services provide:
- Emotional support through their cancer journey as we as palliative, end-of-life care and bereavement support.
- Practical support for patients and families including essential care bags, nutritional support, bereavement support, accommodation, transport to and from treatments and educational and awareness programmes on the early warning signs of childhood cancer.
At any one time Choc have over 1 500 children and teenagers in their care, whilst offering psychosocial support to their families. As an NPO, it is essential that Choc receive and sustain the funds to support these courageous children and teenagers, so that they can keep on fighting even when their young bodies are exhausted and hurting.
This is where Flippie, South Africa’s favourite and most well-loved Choc sole-dier comes in! Flippie is a flip-flop with a serious passion for compassion who has stepped up to lead the movement to get every single South African to have a heart and wear a sole! All he wants us to do, quite literally, is to kick off our shoes for one day on 12 February and slip on a pair of flip flops.
Now in its 2nd year, the Choc Flip Flop Day is an annual day of fun and colour because although childhood cancer is in no way light hearted, South Africans certainly are, and when it comes to our children we need to rally behind them, as Choc sole-diers to truly show that we are a force to be reckoned with.
“We are so excited for our second Flip Flop Day,” says Taryn Seegers communication coordinator of Choc.
“Flip Flops are most certainly a part of almost all of our wardrobes, and who isn’t looking for an excuse to wear them? Now we’re giving the public the chance to show us their heart by wearing a sole to bring some colour to the streets and highlight the importance of the work that Choc does, and raise some much needed funding. Our first Flip Flop Day raised well over R1,5-million and showed us that it truly is possible to make a massive difference. Have a heart, wear a sole and set your toes free to stand behind us on 12 February.”
The campaign is supported by PNA Stationers as well as Tekkie Town. The public will be able to pop into any of these stores nationwide and grab a Flip Flop Day sticker.
With a donation of just R10, every South African can show their heart by wearing their soles. From classrooms to boardrooms, let us walk in our flip flops for a day to highlight Choc’s passionate purpose.
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