Pelican Park High paints Fridays pink for cancer awareness

Pelican Park High School has been painting Fridays pink this October, hosting a series of cancer-awareness drives to show solidarity and support for patients battling the disease.

The initiative, now in its second year, will conclude on Friday, October 31. Principal Shariefa Clark said the school aims to raise R10 000, which will be donated to the Oncology Unit at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.

Each week, staff and pupils dress in pink and line the pavement outside the Zeekoevlei school, holding pink balloons — a heartfelt display of unity, hope, and compassion in the fight against cancer.

“We do this to honour those living with cancer, remember those who have passed on, and celebrate survivors,” said Ms Clark.

Event coordinator and teacher Tamron Hendricks said that each Friday, pupils participate in a civvies day, contributing R20 each, with half of the proceeds going toward the school’s fund-raising target.

“We also hold cake sales, with a different grade taking part each week. Last week it was the Grade 12s; this week the Grades 8 and 9, and next Friday the Grades 10 and 11 will close the campaign,” said Ms Hendricks.