CANSA RFL 2018 – what an awesome event!
Erika Vermaak, convener of the recent CANSA Relay for Life held at Richards Bay, extends her thanks to the committee and other participants who ensured the event's 'comeback' success
THE brand new committee, who were all thrown into the deep end, managed to organise an unforgettable event.
Firstly thank you to our amazing team: Marian and Andre Vermeulen, their son Pieter; Stephanie and Carel du Plessis; Lindy Brett; Marlene Slabbert; my hubby Gerhard Vermaak; Xolani Ncube (CANSA); Annelize and Jan Smith and their daughter Janika; CJ Schwan (and his teams behind the scenes); and Kim Weideman.
A big thank you to you guys for your perseverance, passion, love and dedication in making our ‘dream’ come true.
To all the cancer Survivors who attended the dinner sponsored by South32, what an amazing and beautiful set-up.
The survivors were spoiled with an early dinner which was out of this world. Thank you to Function Foods and their team for this awesome experience.
Each survivor also received a sling goodie bag with beautiful little gifts, sponsored by South32.
They also had the honour of meeting our own Richards Bay-born young queen of many beauty pageants, Neena-Macaire Bezuidenhout, who was crowned ‘Jewel of the World 2018′.
She took time out of her busy schedule to come and join the survivors at the dinner.
The event started off with an early dinner for the survivors, which was much appreciated.
The main event kicked off with a dance by our local Zulu dancers from Empangeni, followed by a prayer by Guiliana Wright, RIM Role Model RSA Overall Winner 2017.
Richards Bay Dance Group entertained the crowd with their beautiful dances and the bikers’ ride and the luminaria lap were next in line.
There were about 200 beautifully decorated luminaria bags all around the track. Once the candles were lit and the power switched off, you could hear a pin drop.
During this time and while everybody was walking around the lap remembering the loved ones who have lost their fight against cancer, testimonies were shared by a couple of survivors.
Then the fun started! Laps with different themes – from crazy hats and umbrellas, hippies and rock stars, super heroes, coffee with a friend, medical and many more!
Colour splash and glow in the dark had many people walking around covered in all colours of the rainbow.
Together with the last team standing, the A-Team from Dr Smitha Abraham, the event was closed off with a prayer by Sam Chigumbura, CANSA KZN Divisional Manager Sustainability, on Sunday morning at 5am.
To each and every sponsor – too many to mention by name and I don’t want to leave someone out – whether it was a donation, voucher, team entry or occupying a stall (some came from as far as Durban), a big thank you!
This was all about CANSA and our WARRIORS! Your contribution made a difference!
Hope to see you all at our next CANSA Relay for Life in 2019!
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