Get ready to walk for a cause in this year’s iThemba Walkathon. Set to take place on the 31st of October 2020, Avon Justine, will once again partner with non-governmental organisations to host the first-ever virtual national walkathon to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and education.
“This has, indeed, become the calendar event in the fight against breast cancer in South Africa. And for that we cannot thank you enough,” says Mafahle Mareletse, Managing Director of Avon Justine Turkey, Middle East & Africa.
With the current Coronavirus pandemic outbreak, this year’s walkathon will place everyone’s safety 1st with great emphasis on social distancing. This coupled with the virtual element of the walk, this year will also see the iThemba Walkathon being hosted throughout South Africa in the comfort and safety of the participant’s homes and neighbourhoods for the first time ever. Bridget Bhengu, Director of Corporate Communications, says, “It is our aim to ensure that we bring about South Africans, across the length and breadth of South Africa, to participate in this year’s walkathon.”
The funds generated from the registration will be donated to the:
- Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA)
- Wings of Hope
- Look Good…Feel Better
- Journeysys
Funds generated will also go towards organising the 2021 Avon Justine iThemba Walkathon to help raise breast cancer awareness and promote early detection saves lives.
The decision to continue hosting this annual event, which is the biggest Avon breast cancer walkathon in the world, is in response to the increased risk of infection. With the possibilities of patients developing severe complications during this lockdown because of deferred treatment of breast cancer cases is of great concern. This is, of course, due to the reduced capacity of public health facilities because of the increased cases of COVID-19 infections.
Tickets
Participants can purchase iThemba Walkathon tickets for R150 for adults, R100 for children under the age of 12 years and free entry for children under the age of 2 years from the iThemba Walkathon website.
iThemba Walkathon
Once the participant has registered and their registration is confirmed, they will receive a link to download an app, which they can use to receive breast cancer education and reminders of the event closer to the date. During the event, participants can choose any route of their choice and will receive push notifications informing them of the distance they have walked during the event.
The App also has a tracking functionality that allows participants to track and share their walking route in real-time with their loved ones. The App will also allow participants to share their pictures on customised iThemba Walkathon frames that they can share on their favourite social media platforms by using the hashtag #2020iThembaWalkathon.
“Though it is critical that we should marshal all available resources to contain the spread of COVID-19, it is equally important that we should also ensure that breast cancer patients and survivors also receive the necessary support, particularly now during these uncertain times when health facilities are under severe strain.
By hosting the virtual national iThemba Walkathon, we are casting the net wider and allowing all South Africans to walk for a purpose and contribute meaningfully in the fight against breast cancer. This virtual national iThemba Walkathon will allow survivors of breast cancer to celebrate the milestone they have achieved and will mark a triumph of the human spirit as encapsulated under the theme: My Time to Make Difference, Watch me now,” says Mafahle Mareletse, Managing Director of Avon Justine Turkey, Middle East & Africa.
The first 30 000 participants to register for the 2020 edition of the iThemba Walkathon will receive a walk pack, which comprises of:
- Avon/Justine product
- A free commemorative t-shirt
- Other goodies from corporate voices who support the promotion of breast health
As part of its breast cancer awareness drive, Avon Justine and its partners will be launching a new breast cancer logo in September. More information about this logo will be provided on Avonworldwide.com/supporting-women/breast-cancer.
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