Thousands of South Africans from every nook and cranny of the country painted the country pink on Saturday as they walked with a purpose and to make a difference in different locations across the country to pledge their support to the fight against breast cancer in the first-ever virtual Avon Justine iThemba Walkathon.
The 15th edition of the Avon Justine Walkathon, which is the biggest breast cancer awareness walkathon in the Avon world, was hosted virtually due to lockdown restrictions on social gatherings.
Nonetheless, the event was coordinated from the nerve centre at the Avon Justine Head Office in Johannesburg where Gauteng’s leading adult commercial radio station Kaya FM was broadcasting live.
The event was also graced by the presence of A-List celebrities and influencers including Master KG of international hit sensation Jerusalema.
“We are delighted with the support we have received from South Africans from all walks of life across the length and breadth of the country who took up the challenge to crusade breast cancer by lacing up their running shoes and backing this worthy cause. Despite the logistical challenges of hosting the event virtually, iThemba was a resounding success.
We were humbled by the support we received from all parts of the country and some of our markets outside of the continent. We hope that the funds generated will give a massive boost to organisations that are doing a sterling work of raising awareness and driving education about breast cancer,” says Mafahle Mareletse, Avon Justine Managing Director for Turkey, Middle East & Africa.
“The lockdown restrictions and the cancellation of many public events contributed to lesser people registering for the event this year. However, the silver lining is that the virtual nature of the event gave people who reside outside of the Gauteng province the opportunity to pledge their support for this noble cause. That for us is priceless,” says Mareletse.
In keeping with tradition, Avon will donate all the proceeds generated from the event to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), Wings of Hope, Look Better….Feel Better and Journeysys, to help them to fund their breast cancer awareness programmes.
