NABEELAH MOHEDEEN
Drummer Tony Joseph “Joe” Fynn wants to drum into people’s heads just how important organisations such as the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) are.
And so this weekend he will be taking part in a 24-hour drum-athon at the Joseph Stone Auditorium in Kewtown, to raise money for Cansa’s Eikenhof Care Home, an NGO which has served as a care facility for cancer patients for the past 41 years. Currently it serves as a place for 23 patients from rural areas to stay while they receive treatment from hospitals in Cape Town. They can be accommodated for between six weeks and 18 months.
Mr Fynn, a former member of the band, the Wild Things, said he first came into contact with the organisation after his wife was diagnosed with cancer.
“I went to the organisation to get some information about cancer and to look for a counsellor for my wife. As we were chatting I was asking questions and asked them about who sponsors them because they are a non-governmental organisation. That was when I came up with the idea for the drum-athon,” Mr Fynn said.
“I think they are a doing a fantastic job. It could be better if people donated to them. It is a fantastic place, and their work is unbelievable,” he said.
The home’s senior co-ordinator, Michelle Hill, said the organisation relies on the goodwill of the public to stay afloat.
“As a non-profit/non-government organisation, Cansa Eikehof Care Home relies on the goodwill of the general public, businesses as well as individuals. The funds raised will ensure that Cansa can continue to provide vital services such as daily healthy meals, safe and secure transport and a comfortable bed for the cancer survivors while undergoing cancer treatment,” Ms Hill said.
“We are very grateful and honoured that Joe Joseph had chosen Cansa Eikehof Care Home as a beneficiary as we know how his family has been affected by this diagnosis. The journey through cancer treatment is taxing on all family members and more so the cancer survivor, so we understand why Joe has chosen to undertake this cause.”
The drum-athon will be held at the Joseph Stone Auditorium this Friday April 1, from 6pm until 6pm on Saturday April 2. Donations will be accepted at the door.
For more information contact Mr Fynn on 076 832 2080.