Businesswoman pledges financial assistance to CAN

WINDHOEK, 21 MAY  – Local businesswoman and owner of Temptations Fashion Boutique, Olivia Kanyemba-Usiku has pledged to donate 30 per cent of proceeds generated from her gala dinner and fashion show held here on Saturday, to the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN).
The fashion boutique, well-known for its range of wedding and evening garments, was extended from 300 square metres to 550 square metres and is now located in the Sanlam building in the capital.
Close to N.dollars 100 000 has already been pledged and according to the organisers, people are still pledging.
Speaking at the event, Kanyemba-Usiku, who was orphaned as a result of cancer, said she deemed it necessary to give towards the fight against this disease by creating awareness as this is close to her heart.
“I have experienced cancer through my relatives, so I know the struggle patients go through. I know our assistance can go a long way to help them, so we should do our best to assist CAN,” she said.
Kanyemba-Usiku explained that she will be funding the Psycho-Social Support Programme specifically, which is earmarked for the Circle of Hope Cancer Support Group and Family Support Centre.
President of CAN, Saima Nambinga, during the same event, noted that these donations will make it possible to mentally and physically support cancer patients and their families during the diagnosis and treatment process.
“We will also see to it that patients are rehabilitated back into society post their treatment.”
Nambinga added the project is costly and assistance is needed to accelerate the efforts of CAN, if it is to realise its vision and break the stigmas associated with cancer.
“Without the struggles of getting funds, the efforts and strides made towards successfully fighting cancer will not be possible,” said Nambinga.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta said Temptations chose to celebrate the expansion of the business by also giving and assisting those befallen with cancer.
“Every bit of assistance to CAN goes a long way in raising awareness, research and alleviating the scorch of cancer,” said Shifeta.
He further said the biggest challenges remain breaking the stigma surrounding cancer and providing psychological support to cancer patients and their families.

NAMPA