We can beat cancer together

The Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project, in aid of the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN), has raised N$ 31.9 million since its first donation of N$ 250 000 in 2000. “As a connector of positive change, this project is close to our hearts and is one of the biggest and most recognised fundraising efforts in Namibia," said Pack. With its theme #GiveHope, the Project encourages contributors to visit its e-Apple Platform, offering donors the option to purchase physical or virtual apples and apple juice. The cost for apples remains at N$5, the apple juice at N$8, and the virtual apples start at N$5. All funds raised from the Project will be donated to the Association in November 2022.

Pack said the Bank had developed an extensive media campaign covering traditional and digital channels to ensure that the Project's message of hope reaches as many people as possible. She emphasised that the aim is to raise cancer awareness and reinforce the call to action by CAN for people to get screened so they can get treatment should they need it.

Being a connector of positive change

Bank Windhoek's efforts over the last twenty-two years have seen the Cancer Association of Namibia reach out to communities who would overwise not have access to screening and early detection for cancer. The Project's success depends on Bank Windhoek's staff, school networks, the eApple Platform, and partners. “One objective unites us: to raise funds to create awareness and help in the fight against cancer in our country. With cancer diagnoses on the rise worldwide, it becomes increasingly important for the kind of partnerships the Cancer Apple Project has, to thrive. Only by working together can we achieve so much and reach so many," said Pack.  

To further increase engagement and cancer awareness, the Bank will host a digital competition #GiveHope on its social media platforms. It will invite participants to share joyous moments, such as smiling individually or in a group. Participants stand a chance of winning exciting prizes, and more details will be available on eapple.bankwindhoek.com.na. 

Pack concluded by thanking CAN, the Project's partners, Bank Windhoek staff and customers for their efforts in the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project's existence. "Our collaboration is about providing hope and imparting as much support and information as possible about a disease we can beat together," she said.

The Cancer Association of Namibia uses funds from this Project for its annual outreach programmes and pro-bono cancer screening across all 14 regions countrywide. In 2021, the Bank produced a documentary highlighting CAN's annual campaigns fighting cancer in Namibia. With its revamped logo signalling the Project's progression toward a more digital future, the Project's key activities include Branch/Department, School, the internal entrepreneurial challenge, ordering, and donations towards the Project via the eApple Platform.

The partners of the 2022 Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project are:

• Namibia Fresh Produce and Food Lovers Market source apples from South Africa.
• NamPost Couriers and FP du Toit Transport distribute the apples across the country free of charge.
• PricewaterhouseCoopers audits the school competition results at no cost.
• Safari Hotels hosts functions and accommodates representatives from the winning schools outside Windhoek to attend the handover ceremony at no cost.
• Solitaire Press supports the Project by printing project materials at a lower cost.
• NBC Radio spreads awareness messages in all local languages at no cost.
• Maerua SuperSpar sponsors stationery vouchers to the winning schools.
• Jaylo Production provides sound equipment for the project launch and funds handover events free of charge.
• The Namibian Newspaper will provide print media coverage.