What is the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project?
Launched as a school fundraising initiative in partnership with the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) in 2000, the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project has grown into one of Namibia’s largest and longest-running fundraising initiatives. Schools, customers, corporates, and other entities buy apples to raise funds for the Cancer Association of Namibia. To date, the project has raised a total of N$35 million, with the funds donated to the Cancer Association of Namibia for outreach programmes, pro-bono cancer screening, and educational activities across all 14 regions in Namibia.
2024 marks 24 years of the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project and its continued efforts to explore innovative ways to support the fight against cancer.
In 2021, the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project launched the e-Apple Platform, allowing communities to place orders online 24/7 from anywhere in the world.
This year, we emphasize using e-Apples to achieve specific, tangible goals set by CAN. Together, we believe that it is possible to impact a life, and we invite everyone to join us in making a difference in the fight against cancer.
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, acts as agents to sell apples and juice to their respective communities. The cost is N$6.00 per apple and N$10.00 per juice.
The best-selling schools during the campaign are rewarded with cash prizes. Categories for the best-performing schools include:
- Pre-primary Schools
- Primary Schools
- Secondary Schools
- Combined Schools (schools with learners in both primary and secondary grades)
In addition to physical apples and juice, supporters can also purchase e-Apples. Each e-Apple, going for N$6, contributes directly to achieving specific, tangible goals set by the Cancer Association of Namibia.
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
In 2015 the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project launched the Staff Entrepreneurial Challenge. Each branch and department across the bank, were provided with seed capital to initiate a fundraising activity, in efforts to raise additional funds towards the project.
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$35 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 2023, 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 as the Patient Financial Assistance Programme.
During the past reporting year for the Cancer Association of Namibia, ending February 2024, their invaluable work has resulted in 991 men being screened for prostate cancer, with 21 cases referred for treatment. Additionally, 3,634 women underwent screening for cervical cancer, leading to the detection and referral of 53 cases for treatment.
This year, through the sale of e-Apples, physical apples, and apple juice, we aim to make an even greater impact. Every e-Apple purchased helps us achieve specific, tangible goals set by the Cancer Association of Namibia, making it possible to impact a life in the fight against cancer.
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.
