This year, taking the impact of COVID-19 into consideration, Bank Windhoek has decided to contribute N$500 000 to the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) under the Bank's Cancer Apple Project, instead of selling apples to raise funds.Regarded as one of the most significant Corporate Social Responsibility undertakings in Namibia, raising a total of N$30.5 million since its inception, the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project was gearing up to celebrate its 20th anniversary before the measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 were put in place.
“Due to COVID-19, it will be impossible to run the Project this year fully. However, in our efforts to fight the pandemic, we decided to reschedule this year's celebration to 2021. As a connector of positive change, our assistance to CAN is to help in its efforts of fighting cancer in our communities during these difficult times," said Bank Windhoek's Head of Social Investments, Sponsorships and Events, Bronwyn Moody.
In his acceptance remark, CAN's Chief Executive Officer, Rolf Hansen, said: “Bank Windhoek's donation will go a long way as we fight both COVID-19 and cancer in our communities. We are highly grateful for this donation."
The donations and the collected funds, amongst others, enable CAN to create cancer awareness, conduct outreach programmes, and screen Namibians for cervical and prostate cancer throughout the 14 Regions at no cost.
As for the 2021 projected planning, Moody said that the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project would go a complete transformation. “We are excited and look forward to a positive future for this Project," she said.
The Project's nationwide impact
Last year's Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project donation of N$2, 5 million is being used during CAN's 2020 financial year budget. The annual National Cancer Outreach Programme commenced in January 2020 with community clinics in Rehoboth, Aranos, Stampriet, Mariental, and Kalkrand. In February, outreaches took place in the Zambezi Region, Kavango East, and West Regions.
Funds raised through the Project last year assisted the Patient Financial Assistance Programme, and paediatric cancer patient care. Continued emphasis is on screening women for HPV, the virus that causes cervical cancer. “Bank Windhoek regards the Outreach Programme as a critical exercise and commends CAN for going into the most remote communities to do this vital work," concluded Moody.
