Library raises cancer awareness
It was not business as usual at the Reiger Park Library on Friday, October 30, when dozens of people in pink-coloured clothing gathered to show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
In conjunction with local schools, businesses, faith-based and other organisations, the library staff organised the event to raise awareness and money in aid of Cansa.
This initiative was part of the library’s cancer awareness programme, called The Pink Trees for Pauline.
Representatives of the department of health, staff from the Reiger Park clinic, business people, community leaders and local NGOs came to support the initiative.
As a symbol of respect for cancer survivors and those who died of it, participants embarked on a short awareness walk within the library premises, where dozens of pink balloons were released.
The library was also decked out in a wild variety of pink items, including bandannas, pieces of cloth, ribbons and candles, as well as leaflets and posters to raise awareness of cancer and other illnesses.
One of the event organisers, librarian Lydia Simon, said they tried to draw people’s attention to the reality of cancer.
Simon and Audrey Eustace, who is a retired teacher and a Friend of the Library, started the project in Reiger Park in 2014.
“Pink Trees for Pauline challenges towns nationwide to to make a difference in their communities, ensuring quality of life and building a future,” said Audrey.
“Committees in each of the participating towns in South Africa and Namibia find sponsors for the signature pink material used by Pink Trees for Pauline to wrap tree trunks.
“The sponsored material is sold to the public and businesses and the whole town is literally wrapped in pink.
Money raised at the event will be donated to the Cancer Support Group in Reiger Park.
“On behalf of the Ekurhuleni libraries, ATKV Reiger Park Ladies Club and the Butterfly Foundation, we thank all the local businesses and people who supported this cause, that is held annually in Reiger Park.”
She also paid tribute to the following local schools, businesses and individuals:
Drommedaris Primary School, Lakeside Primary, Goedehoop Primary , Reiger Park Primary School, Oosrand High School, Reiger Park Secondary School, Mr. Liquor, Reiger Park Bakery, Re-Imagine Reiger Park, AFM Church, Judah Ministries, AGK, Pick n Pay Cleos, Elspark Meatworld, Raphael Harmse, Reiger Park Hardware and Ambasam Distributors.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and, worldwide, people are doing their part to raise awareness and support survivors. -@FanieFLK
