What is the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project?
Launched as a school fundraising initiative in partnership with the Cancer Association of Namibia in 2000, the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project has grown into one of Namibia’s largest, and longest-running fundraising initiatives, that sees schools, customers, corporates, and other entities buy apples to raise funds for the Cancer Association of Namibia. To date, the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project has raised a total of N$33.9 million, with the funds donated to the Cancer Association of Namibia towards the outreach programmes, pro-bono cancer screening and educational activities, carried out across all 14 regions in Namibia.
2023 marks 23 years of the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project, and continue exploring innovative ways to support the fight against cancer.
In 2021 the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project, in celebration, launched the eApple Platform, which enables communities to place orders online 24/7, from anywhere in the world, to donate towards the Project.
In addition to the physical apples, the Project offers virtual apples and Apple Juice for purchase.
How does the Bank Windhoek
Cancer Apple Project work?
During its annual fundraising campaign, individuals, schools, organisations, and institutions from across Namibia are encouraged to support the Project by buying apples.
Bank Windhoek through its branches and departments, schools, and the Cancer Association of Namibia act as agents to sell apples and juice to their respective communities, at a cost of N$5.00 per apple and N$8.00 per juice.
The best-selling schools during the duration of the campaign are rewarded in cash prizes. Categories in which the best performing schools are chosen are:
- Pre-primary Schools
- Primary Schools
- Secondary Schools
- Combined Schools (schools with learners in both primary and secondary grades)
Key Milestones in the history of the Bank
Windhoek Cancer Apple Project:
Postponed 20th Anniversary Celebrations
With the onslaught of COVID-19 in 2020, Bank Windhoek postponed the 20th anniversary of the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project. In a stand of solidarity and a show of continued support in the fight against cancer, Bank Windhoek donated N$500 000.00 to the Cancer Association of Namibia.
Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project earns international recognition in 2018:
In 2018, the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project was recognised as one of 17 global projects for the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) International Award for “Innovative Fundraising Models” for innovative and co-operative ways to help fight cancer in local communities.
2015 Staff Entrepreneurial Challenge
What does the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) do, and how do the raised funds make a difference?
The Cancer Association of Namibia, in cooperation with the community, fight cancer and its consequences country-wide to the benefit of all Namibians by supporting research; health education and information; as well as care and support services. It is the distinct aim of CAN to educate the general public regarding the prevention, early detection and dangers of cancer. CAN also renders a welfare service to cancer sufferers according to established criteria.
An important activity on the annual CAN register is the National Cancer Outreach Programme, that is supported in part by the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project, enabling CAN to go into the most remote communities.
The Cancer Association of Namibia aims to fulfill three key objectives in its operations:
- To Educate Namibians and create awareness about cancer, its prevention, and early detection of the disease.
- To provide a welfare service and support to those affected by cancer.
- To commission research to equip decision-makers with valuable statistics about cancer in Namibia
For detailed information on the Cancer Association of Namibia’s various initiatives that drive these objectives, visit: https://www.can.org.na/.
Impact of the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project:
Since its first fundraiser in 2000, the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project has raised a total of N$33.9 million.
The funds raised annually through the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project are earmarked for the National Cancer Outreach Programme. The Programme works towards screening a minimum of 5 000 individuals for cancer each year and enables the Association to visit some of Namibia’s most remote communities.
In 2022, Bank Windhoek handed over N$2 million to the Cancer Association of Namibia. The funds were allocated towards the National Outreach Programme for community clinics across the country, as well the Patient Financial Assistance Programme.
During the past reporting year for the Cancer Association of Namibia, ending February 2023, their invaluable work has resulted in 991 men being screened for prostate cancer, with 21 cases referred for treatment. Additionally, 3634 women underwent screening for cervical cancer, leading to the detection and referral of 53 cases for treatment.
Where can I read more about the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project?
Want more information on the Cancer Association of Namibia and their Programmes? Visit the official Cancer Association of Namibia website here: https://www.can.org.na/.
For more information on Bank Windhoek, visit our official website by clicking here or send us an email with your query to appleproject@bankwindhoek.com.na.
