CANSA Launches First-Ever Volunteer Day to Honour Dedicated Volunteers
CANSA Volunteer Day Sound Bites
The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is proud to announce the launch of its very first CANSA Volunteer Day – 26 July 2025, that will be celebrated annually in July going forward. This new tradition is dedicated to honouring CANSA’s incredible volunteers who selflessly serve those affected by cancer, their families, and communities across South Africa.
While International Volunteer Day is commemorated globally in December, CANSA recognised that many of its volunteers are unavailable during this time. As a result, CANSA established its own celebration in July to ensure more volunteers can participate in the festivities and receive the recognition they so richly deserve.
Celebrations will be taking place across the country, with regional events inviting volunteers to enjoy entertainment, inspiring talks, and goodie bags. Most of these celebrations have been made possible thanks to the generosity of donors who understand the immense value volunteers bring to CANSA’s mission.
The theme for the inaugural CANSA Volunteer Day is ‘Lighting the Way, Leading the Change’ – a powerful tribute to the volunteers who go beyond in their service.
“Our volunteers are the heart of CANSA – they are instrumental to the work we do,” says Carien Hamman, Volunteer Programme Manager. “They don’t just assist our staff – they take the lead in their communities, creating awareness, initiating outreach efforts, and supporting cancer patients with unmatched compassion and commitment. They are true trailblazers.”
According to Nono Zwane, volunteer, “Volunteering for me is a deeply fulfilling experience that embodies compassion, commitment, and community. Being a volunteer means dedicating my time and energy to support individuals and families affected by cancer. It’s about showing kindness, empathy, and understanding, and working together to create awareness, raise funds, and provide vital services.”
“A CANSA Volunteers Day is a celebration of this selfless spirit. It’s a day to acknowledge and honour the hard work and dedication of all volunteers who tirelessly support CANSA’s mission. It inspires us to continue our efforts and encourages others to join in this vital cause,” concluded Zwane.
Elise Fourie, cancer survivor and leader volunteer shares, “I am a volunteer for CANSA, because I want to make a difference. No matter how small, I know what I do has a positive impact. I want to be a volunteer for CANSA for as long as I can, as I’m grateful for the opportunity to do what I do. At CANSA’s Volunteers Day, the volunteers can meet each other and hear what they contribute. It’s wonderful that the volunteers are acknowledged for what they contribute.”
CANSA volunteers provide critical support in a wide range of roles, including: companionship for cancer patients, facilitating CANSA Information and Support Desks at public hospitals, leading support groups, promoting health information in communities, supporting administrative functions at CANSA Care Centres and screening events, completing virtual administrative tasks, marketing and communications functions, sourcing in-kind donations for patients and assisting with fundraising initiatives.
“With the growing number of cancer diagnoses in our country, the demand for our services is increasing,” adds Hamman. “Our resolute team of staff cannot meet this need alone. Volunteers are our backbone and lifeblood – they extend our reach and bring hope to so many.”
CANSA is calling on South Africans to join its volunteer family. If you are passionate about making a difference in the fight against cancer, apply to become a CANSA volunteer by visiting: https://cansa.org.za/become-a-volunteer/
Let’s celebrate the unsung heroes who light the way and lead the change in the lives of those affected by cancer.
(For more information, please contact Lucy Balona, Head: Marketing and Communication at CANSA at email lbalona@cansa.org.za. Call 011 616 7662 or mobile 082 459 5230).
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