The 24th edition of the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project concluded with a handover ceremony on Friday, 31 January 2025, in Windhoek. Bank Windhoek handed over N$2.5 million to the Cancer Association of Namibia in its continued fight to combat cancer nationwide with various initiatives. As a result, since its inception in 2000, the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project has raised a combined N$38.4 million for the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN). The Project involves sourcing, distributing, and mobilising dedicated teams that work tirelessly behind the scenes to raise funds by selling apples and, apple juices and receiving donations through the sale of virtual apples on the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple website.
The handover event reflected collective commitment, driven by shared goals, a sense of community, and the joy of celebrating milestones while standing united to fight cancer. This edition of the Project, themed 'Is it possible to impact a life,' drew inspiration from the Bank's campaign, 'Is it possible to love a bank' launched in 2024.
Bank Windhoek's Managing Director, Baronice Hans, said, "In 2024, through the National Cancer Outreach Programme, 2,210 women were screened, leading to 66 cases being referred for further gynaecological intervention. Similarly, 331 men were screened through the Rapid Prostate-Specific Antigen Test Programme, with nine cases receiving timely treatment at Windhoek Central Hospital. The funds raised through the Cancer Apple Project made these life-saving interventions possible."
She added that in 2023, the funds raised helped sustain these facilities, providing accommodation for 230 patients and their companions, accounting for 1,785 bed nights at the House Acacia Interim Home. “Further, 82 mother-and-child patient stays were supported at the CHICA Interim Home, contributing a total of 1,706 complimentary nights in Windhoek," she said.
Hans said that the Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to providing financial services and making a meaningful impact across Namibia through corporate social responsibility. The funds raised through this Project have supported outreach programmes that emphasise early screenings in local communities. They empower individuals to advocate for cancer prevention and actively contribute to the fight against the disease.
CAN's Chief Executive Officer Rolf Hansen said the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project remains the primary funding vehicle for CAN's National Cancer Outreach Programme, which screened 2,541 Namibians in 2024. While speaking at the handover event, Hansen reflected on the Project's impact on the fight against cancer in Namibia. "I reassure everyone that, despite our fatigue and sometimes worn enthusiasm, this Project of Hope directly impacts the lives of so many vulnerable cancer patients in our country," he said.
Hansen shared the following impact and highlights of the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project in 2024:
4,100 new cancer cases (including superficial skin cancers) are diagnosed annually in Namibia, of which 3,453 are invasive cancers, with an estimated 1,940 deaths per annum from cancer in Namibia, according to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN).
718 Namibians walked through CAN's doors in 2024, seeking financial assistance and hope. Among them were mothers who travelled hundreds of kilometres for their children to receive treatment.
372 Namibians with a recurrent diagnosis asked for continuous assistance.
N$2,630,000 in financial aid from CAN to transport patients to Windhoek for treatment or buy food parcels for financially vulnerable Namibians undergoing cancer treatment.
230 patients and companions over 1,785 bed nights in 2024 at House Acacia Interim Home.
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