All set for annual Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk

Sunday Mail Reporters

IT’S all systems go for the 7th Zimpapers Cancer Power walk, which takes place in six provinces this Saturday, starting at 5.30 am.

All roads lead to Old Hararians Sports Club in the capital, with the event also taking place at different venues in Bulawayo, Gweru, Kariba, Mutare and Masvingo.

Registration is pegged at US$10 or $6 500, with all participants receiving a branded T-shirt each. As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Limited hosts the annual charity campaign in collaboration with Island Hospice. All the proceeds go towards assisting cancer patients.

Several corporates are supporting the initiative, with West Property being the anchor sponsor, while FBC Holdings and Sunny Yi Feng are the platinum and gold sponsors, respectively. Other sponsors include the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority, Karorina’s Wellness Spar, the Radiation Protection Authority of Zimbabwe, ZimSwitch, Mackay, Hybrid Travel and Tours, Tsebo, Micour Visions, Steiner Afriqa, Rue’s Paper Flowers, Blaq Impressions Media, Zorro Trained, Premier Service Medical Aid Society, and Ambulance Care and Evacuation.

West Property Zimbabwe chairperson for CSR, Mr Simba Kadye, said the company was looking forward to supporting the noble cause.

“We are expecting a huge turnout from people, other entities and stakeholders to participate and support this initiative,” said Mr Kadye.

“We are going to come out and not just be the anchor sponsor behind the scenes but be part of the cancer power walk.”

Blaq Impressions managing director Mr Mahlon Ncube said: “I am expecting more people to come on board to support victims and survivors of breast cancer.

“Because cancer is a non-communicable disease, most patients are afraid of disclosing, but I do hope they will come through for this campaign.”

Fitness trainer Zororo Nhira, who has participated in the last five editions by offering participants free Zumba sessions, called for support of the cause.

“This is something I look forward to every year and the idea is also to bring everyone together and have fun, relieve stress and, at the same time, educate each other about breast cancer,” he said.

There will also be free health checks, counselling and massages during the event.

Zimpapers public relations and corporate communications manager (digital and publishing), Mrs Pauline Matanda, urged people from all walks of life to come in their numbers.

“This is not a campaign to be missed as it combines entertainment, and educative and informing experiences. Zimpapers is calling on people from all walks of life to come in their numbers to participate and get free health screening services.”