Few know that the pink banners marking Breast Cancer Month had humble beginnings in Graaff-Reinet.
What started as a personal tribute to two women named Pauline has blossomed into a nationwide campaign, spreading hope, raising awareness and providing practical support to cancer communities across South Africa.
Pink Trees for Pauline was founded in 2012 by Carol-Ann van Jaarsveldt after she lost her mother and grandmother, both Pauline, to cancer. In their hometown of Graaff-Reinet, trees along the roads were wrapped in pink fabric as a tribute to the two women – and a symbol of hope for others affected by cancer. Together with breast cancer survivor Adri Jansen van Nieuwenhuizen and educational psychologist Dr Pam Kerr, the non-profit organisation Pink Trees for Pauline was established.
Today, more than 140 towns participate during September and October, using hundreds of metres of pink fabric to transform trees and public spaces and raise awareness.
The organisation’s #doekwithadifference campaign, in partnership with the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), also raises funds to support families caring for palliative patients at home. Money raised helps provide medical equipment and food parcels to needy patients identified by social workers.
Participate by buying pink fabric to decorate trees – or colourful headscarves, bracelets and earrings. The campaign highlights how a simple idea born from personal loss can become a powerful, national expression of remembrance, solidarity and hope.
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