Milestone reached in cancer apple project
N$2 million was raised through the annual Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project for the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN), bringing the total to N$33.9 million that has been raised through this initiative since its inception.“The past 22 years have seen Bank Windhoek cement its support for the work done by CAN, making the project the cornerstone of our Corporate Social Responsibility efforts,” said Bank Windhoek’s Jacquiline Pack.
For 2022, Pack said that the project set a record for the number of apples and apple juices sold. The total number of apples distributed was 466 548, and the number of apple juices stood at 93 000.
The project is one of Namibia's most significant fundraising initiatives. “It is the most consistent demonstration that Bank Windhoek is a connector of positive change and an organisation that cares. We remain proud of this association and commit to raising funds for this worthy cause well into the future,” said Pack.
In his acceptance remarks, CAN’s Rolf Hansen said the continued support from Namibians and Bank Windhoek through the project is critical to achieving its objectives.
“We can only impact lives where the collective community stands in solidarity when the individual is in need,” Hansen said. “In celebration and thanksgiving of this generous amount raised through the humble and sincere contributions of all Namibians, and especially the dedication of Bank Windhoek employees, I say thank you.”
But wait, there’s more
Bank Windhoek is also synonymous with the arts in Namibia. In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the bank called on learners from across the country to submit their chosen medium that depicts the project’s theme for the year, #GiveHope.
“We received many inspiring pieces of work. Art is a powerful communicator. What is evident from the submissions is that the many Namibians are affected in one way or another by cancer, and the impact on these budding artists is immense. Every day we give hope to ordinary Namibians who get screened for cancer that, if diagnosed early enough, is highly treatable. That is the power of the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project,” said Pack.
The partners of the 2022 Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project were Namibia Fresh Produce and Food Lovers Market; NamPost Couriers; FP du Toit Transport; PricewaterhouseCoopers; Safari Hotels; Solitaire Press; NBC Radio; Maerua SuperSpar; Jaylo Production and the Namibian Newspaper.
CAN uses funds from this project for its annual outreach programmes and pro-bono cancer screening across the country.