When 2 000 bikini-clad women gather for a Guinness World Record attempt at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on October 23, they’ll be doing more than looking good – they’ll be saving lives.
According to statistics released by the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa), an estimated one in four South Africans may be affected by cancer in their lifetime.
Club 100 For Ladies, the organisers of the Nashua Largest Ever Bikini Photo Shoot, have therefore chosen Cansa as the sole beneficiary of the charity fundraiser.
“We are very grateful and excited to be involved in such a fun awareness raising event,” said Cansa regional project facilitator Joan Duarte.
Although the record attempt will be the highlight of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the funds raised will be used in the fight against all types of cancer.
“All money raised in the Eastern Cape stays in our province for services such as early detection, awareness raising and patient care,” said Duarte.
Cansa is a countrywide organisation with seven provincial and 44 regional offices. It is the fifth largest volunteer organisation in the world.
The exposure gained from the event will also help to keep the cause of combating cancer firmly in the spotlight, according to Duarte.
She said by the turn of the millennium, there were six million cancer-related deaths worldwide and 10 million new cases every year, as well as 22 million people living with the disease.
Duarte hopes that many survivors of cancer and their families will participate in the record attempt.
“For cancer survivors to get involved is so important. It gives patients hope if they see there are survivors out there,” she said.
The organisers hope to smash the current record of 1 923 participants, which was set in the Russian resort of Sochi in 2008.
They are currently recruiting up to 200 event ambassadors, whose task it is to sign up another 20 female participants each, as well as 10 male and five corporate sponsors. For their trouble, they will receive luxury goodie bags and stand a chance to win prizes worth over R30 000.
When asked whether she would be personally involved, Duarte laughed, “Yes, I’m on board, recruiting ambassadors. As to taking part, I’m still thinking about it!”
Participants who feel shy or chilly may wear sarongs.
Cansa offers information and assistance to victims of cancer and their families and can be phoned toll free on 0800 226622.
For more information on the event, phone Laurence on 084 507 3175, e-mail club100@axxess.co.za or visit http://4cansa.yolasite.com.
Issued by:
Full Stop Communications
Coetzee Gouws
041 368 4992
082 575 7991
coetzee@fullstopcom.com
www.fullstopcom.com
On behalf of:
Club 100 For Ladies