News and Newsletters
12 October 2010: The Financial Insight Breast Cancer Initiative
The FIG Breast Cancer Initiative took place on the 12th of October 2010 at the Mount Nelson Hotel, where the space was transformed with beautiful flowers and goodie bags for each guest, sponsored by Altrisk.
This was the 11th event hosted by FIG and was chaired by Yvonne Finch. Each year, this event raises thousands of rands – and each rand is accounted for in detail.
“It is important to us that the funds don’t get dumped into a black hole,” says CEO of FIG, Jenny Hall. “We always know exactly where and how the money raised was spent. This not only helps to keep track of the funds, but also keeps everyone motivated to keep up the good work!”
Dr Julie Wetter, one of the attendees at the clinic, explained how the money was spent and divided. “A large portion of the money goes to the salaries of the major caregiver of the clinic. She not only fulfils a pivotal duty taking care of the patients, but she also coordinates and plans the treatments of patients,” says Dr Wetter. “We also pay for transport to the hospital to ensure that the patients’ lives are made easier when attending their treatments. Once the patient has reached the clinic, we also provide them with a food parcel, as patients seem to cope better with the treatments if they have eaten before.”
Dr Wetter also says that women suffering from breast cancer need encouragement to pay attention to their femininity and for this purpose, nail varnish is supplied and applied at the clinic by the staff, while the patient undergoes treatment.
A keynote speaker also present at the event was Marlene le Roux, the current Artscape Audience Development and Education director, who regaled the audience with the challenges she has had to face as a polio sufferer in the previous political climate. Through humour and insightful narration, her remarkable determination and attitude was clearly evident – and served as an inspiration to everyone present.
Following her speech, a “fun auction” was conducted, which included prizes from restaurants and the tourism industry for attendees to the event.
All these activities were punctuated by a delicious three-course meal presented by the chef of the Mount Nelson, accompanied by a lovely pink wine, sponsored by Marianne Wine Estate.
The event was indeed a successful one, boosting the coffers of the Groote Schuur Breast Clinic with a total of R63 000!
