Community rallies for CHOC's Flip Flop Day fundraiser for children with cancer

The CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation marked its annual Flip Flop Day fundraiser on Friday, February 20, at its home in Sybrand Park, drawing support from the community to raise funds for children battling cancer and life-threatening blood disorders.

CHOC Regional manager Lynette Muthuray said Flip Flop Day is commemorated nationwide and serves as an important fundraising drive. Supporters are encouraged to buy a R10 sticker for Flip Flop Day from any CHOC home or from Tekkie Town and wear it on their flip flops in solidarity.

“Just by purchasing a sticker that costs R10, it helps CHOC to provide their services and programmes, which support children and families during this difficult journey,” said Ms Muthuray.

CHOC currently operates three homes in the province, located at Sybrand Park, Plumstead, and at Tygerberg Lodge near Tygerberg Hospital. These homes provide accommodation for families travelling to local hospitals for their children’s cancer treatment, offering a “home away from home.” The organisation also prepares care packages, including meals and toiletries, for families at hospitals and runs educational programmes on childhood cancer in schools and communities.

The foundation received a donation of R1 180 from the Meals on Wheels, a non-profit, which attended the Flip Flop Day event. Administrative clerk Judith Martin said they chose to support CHOC to help children suffering from cancer.

“We took the initiative of raising funds for this organisation, which we greatly appreciate,” she said.

Cancer survivor Gizelle Pretorius, 33, from Ruyterwacht, shared how she was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 16 while being treated at Tygerberg Hospital. She said CHOC provided vital emotional support during her treatment.

“They were really supportive and motivational while I was fighting cancer,” she said.

Now an accountant who enjoys music and running, Ms Pretorius remains in contact with the organisation and is often invited to speak at events to encourage other cancer survivors. Although she has made a strong recovery, she continues to prioritise her health with regular medical check-ups.

Ms Muthuray said members of the public can still support Flip Flop Day by purchasing stickers at Tekkie Town stores or through the CHOC website.

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