Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs players today joined Vodacom staff members at Vodacom's head office in Midrand to have their hair shaved or dyed in support of the 2008 Shavathon.
In so doing, they joined thousands of other South Africans countrywide raising awareness of cancer and generating funds for The Cancer Association of South African (CANSA).
According to CANSA, one in four South Africans will be affected by cancer during their lifetime. The Shavathon aims to reduce these statistics by creating national awareness of cancer and raise funds to expand prevention programmes and patient care services.
Vodacom Foundation CEO, Mr Mthobi Tyamzashe, said: "The annual Shavathon affords Vodacom employees the opportunity to demonstrate their support for those affected directly or indirectly by cancer. The Shavathon also provides an opportunity for team building and having a fun, yet worthy, day. Hosting this Shavathon shows that Vodacom employees have a big heart."
Eight-hundred Vodacom employees were expected to join six players from each team and two club officials for the Shavathon at the company's headquarters in Midrand.
For a donation of R50, participants can have their hair shaved off, or, if this option is too radical, dyed in a colour of their choice. The hair spray is made from vegetable dye which washes out after one wash. All proceeds go to support the work of CANSA.
The Shavathon effort is being organised by Vodacom's Yebo Heroes, a volunteer platform provided by Vodacom for its employees to channel their inherent need for sharing, in a secure environment that is supported by management through the Vodacom Foundation. Yebo Heroes are committed to leaving a footprint in their communities.
In 2006, Vodacom volunteers spray-painted the heads of thousands of rugby supporters in green and gold in support of the Springboks, and at the same time raised funds for the fight against cancer. Three-hundred Vodacom employees from Vodacom's Yebo Heroes programme were deployed at Loftus Versveld, breaking the current 'Sprayathon' record in the Guinness World Record by spraying the most heads at a single one-day sporting event. All funds raised were donated to CANSA and Reach for a Dream.
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