Another N$2 million raised for the fight against cancer in Namibia

Bank Windhoek’s Executive Officer of Marketing and Corporate Communication Services, Jacquiline Pack, said that embracing social responsibility is not just a mere investment but a journey towards a sustainable and harmonious future for the Bank’s business, stakeholders, and the society it serves. She delivered this statement on Thursday, 30 November 2023, in Windhoek, announcing another two million Namibian Dollars raised by the annual Bank Windhoek Apple Cancer Project.

This announcement brings the total money raised since the Project’s inception 23 years ago to N$35.9 million in aid of the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN). Pack said that this year, heroes from all walks of life joined forces to make 2023’s fundraiser successful. “The apple sales this year surpassed our expectations. Our sales went up by 18% compared to last year. Our juice sales were also 52% up against last year’s sales. Similarly, the donations in the form of electronic apple purchases on our eApple website are 103% higher than last year,” said Pack.

On behalf of the Executive Director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Ben Nangombe, Dr Christopher Likando, Acting Director of Primary Healthcare, said that between March and November 2023, 648 patients have been assisted financially. The total funds utilised by CAN to help patients within the mentioned period stands at approximately N$1.2 million. “Of the funds raised in 2022 and 2023, 50% will be diverted to the newly constructed Palliative Care Centre of CAN,” said Dr Likando, who expressed his appreciation to Bank Windhoek for their unwavering commitment and dedication to this cause. “Through partnerships like this, we can truly make a lasting impact on our society.”

CAN’s Chief Executive Officer, Rolf Hansen, said that the highlight for him was that besides the high costs of the apples and the harsh economic realities, Namibians who supported the Project managed to raise two million dollars. He said the funds will go to establishing the Palliative Care Centre, which will assist all private, state or rural patients. “This amazing support alleviates many of the funding challenges for the patients,” he said.

Collaborations and partnerships

This year, the Project, themed HeroesUnite, took on a few more dimensions with initiatives to keep the awareness of the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project alive. “In August, the Project had heroes in capes on spinning bikes during a spin activation associated with Virgin Active and KosMos 94.1.

2023 also saw the diplomatic corps in Namibia, comprising the Embassy of Brazil, the British High Commission, and the Angolan Embassy, join forces and contribute to sales. “These foreign missions in Namibia are so committed to the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project that we are invited to present next year’s Project at any of their monthly gatherings to garner even more

support,” said Pack. Namibia Fresh Produce and Fruit and Veg, NamPost Couriers, FP du Toit Transport, Solitaire Press, NBC Radio, Maerua SuperSpar, Jaylo Production, and the Namibian newspaper were the partners for this year.

Pack concluded by thanking the Bank’s staff members, customers and schools for their contributions to the Project to help in fight cancer in Namibia. “The Project has a special place in the heart of all of Namibians at large, and we look forward to the time of the year when we can sell apples and raise funds in aid of the Cancer Association of Namibia and their work,” she said.