CANSA Volunteer Info Session – Are You Ready To Join Us

28 November 2020 – International Volunteers Day is celebrated annually on 5 December to give thanks to volunteers, globally, who selflessly give of themselves to uplift communities and organisations. The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is hosting a virtual information session via Facebook on Saturday 5 December, 09:00–10:30 am, for any new volunteers to find out how they can participate and actively take part in CANSA programmes. The virtual event includes a round table discussion with existing volunteers who will share their volunteering experience.

#FightCancerTogether #CANSACares #InternationalVolunteersDay.

CANSA offers volunteers many different opportunities to be involved. These include care and support volunteers who are trained to offer patients and loved ones holistic support or fundraising volunteers who work on national fundraising projects like CANSA Shavathon and CANSA Relay For Life events. Virtual volunteers help with design, editing and translation of materials while health promotion volunteers carry out our health awareness campaigns and information talks. There is a niche for everyone at CANSA.

Elize Joubert, CANSA CEO says, “Volunteers remain the foundation of all CANSA projects throughout South Africa and although COVID-19 affected the way in which CANSA had to operate this year, we were overwhelmed by the support given to us by volunteers who came forward to assist us in with our awareness campaigns and events – albeit virtually. We would not be able to continue with our invaluable service to the public were it not for our volunteers. For that we are most grateful and would like to sincerely thank each one for their dedication to CANSA.”

In line with COVID-19 regulations, CANSA will also host events at CANSA Care Centres nationally to honour valued volunteers in December and acknowledge the important role that volunteers play.

Vuyi Gwala, from Pietermaritzburg, was keen to give virtual volunteering a go. She found an opportunity on Forgood to use her language skills to do some translation for CANSA. She felt moved to get out there (digitally) and help a cause during lockdown.

“During this lockdown period, I just really wanted to do something for others. I wanted to help but didn’t know how. Searching the net, I came across forgood and I opted for virtual volunteering. I signed up and about two days later CANSA contacted me. I’ve translated their media content (English to IsiZulu) … I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it; I think more so because I knew it was helping others. CANSA recently presented me with a certificate of service during COVID-19. I honestly was not looking to be presented with anything. I’ve loved working with them, for them… so much that I’ve asked them if I can continue, which they’ve appreciated.”

Online training is given to all new volunteers to help them carry out their duties. This training is also available to existing volunteers as a way to up-skill themselves and learn many skills that can be of value in a career, including leadership, meeting management, counselling, event organising, negotiation and communication skills.

CANSA invites any potential volunteers to follow its Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CancerAssociationOfSouthAfrica)  on Saturday 5 December. Or contact the nearest CANSA Care Centre for information on current opportunities or apply online via the CANSA website: https://cansa.org.za/become-a-volunteer/

(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.)

Published: 2 December 2020 | Last Updated: 30 April 2021
Categories: CANSA Webinars, Media Releases & News, Volunteers Inspire