Paheja Siririka
Bank Windhoek and the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) have revamped and digitalised the 2021 Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project via e-Apple platform where people can buy apples and apple juice through the online application.
The managing director of Bank Windhoek Baronice Hans announced this yesterday, at the launch of the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project.
“This new e-Apple platform will offer customers and supporters of the Cancer Apple Project new and convenient ways to keep supporting the venture. The public will still have the option to purchase apples and apple juice during the normal campaign period, when apples are in season,” shared Hans.
She added: “You will now also have the option - to buy virtual apples throughout the year and do so from anywhere in the world. They have the option of selecting a preferred branch countrywide, from which they can collect their apples or juice. ”
Hans said they increased their contribution of N$7 million towards corporate social investment, as it has never been more needed than now, given the devastating impact of the pandemic.
She also stated since its launch in 2000, the Bank Windhoek project has raised more than N$30 million for the CAN, hence it remains one of the largest fundraising initiatives in Namibia.
CEO of the CAN Rolf Hansen said the Covid-19 posed many challenges, pushed for many changes, and etched away people’s patience but, despite the sad moments and disappointments, opportunities have been embraced despite uncertainties.
“Namibia faces an ever increasing burden of non-communicable diseases and that includes cancer, diabetes, heart conditions and rare diseases. In 2019, we saw the annual average of 3 780 new cancer cases duplicate from the previous year, and during the previous five years, a ‘back-to-back’ steady increase of an estimated 7% per year was Namibia’s reality,” informed Hansen.
He added that Namibia experienced an annual increase in especially women’s cancers (breast, cervical and lymphoma). Currently, more than 54% of all Namibian cancers are reported in women. Childhood cancers also increase every year still at an alarming rate.
“CAN has been, for 21 years, part of nearly two generations of school-goers and become a project known by almost every Namibian, a project that has screened, aided, supported and saved many lives.”
- psiririka@nepc.com.na