About

OUR STORY

‘Pink Trees for Pauline’ was founded in 2012 when one woman’s dream became a larger-than-life project which astounds every day.

Carol-Ann van Jaarsveldt who lost her mother and her grandmother, both named Pauline, to cancer turned this monumental loss into an epic tale of hope, encouragement and belonging. The legacy of these two significant women, first started blossoming in their hometown Graaff-Reinet where the trees along the roads were wrapped in pink material to raise cancer awareness and provide hope and inspiration for the ‘Pauline’ in all of our lives. 

In 2012 Carol-ann van Jaarsveld, was joined by Adri Jansen van Nieuwenhuizen – a breast cancer survivor and Dr Pam Kerr, an Educational Psychologist – to officially found the non-profit organisation “Pink Trees for Pauline”. Carol-ann’s original vision has become the driving force for many people who are wrapping South Africa and Namibia in pink to signify new life during and after cancer.

WHY PINK

To us, pink is vibrant colour of hope and an expression of the new life which becomes possible through this project. Pink Trees for Pauline is the first cancer fundraising and awareness initiative where multiple cancer organisations benefit from the funds raised.

WRAPPED IN COLOUR, UNITED IN HOPE

The aim of Pink Trees for Pauline is to raise funds to assist all people affected by all cancers.

The project was developed with sustainability in mind so that as many towns / communities as possible, are positively impacted.

Within the first 3 years, Pink Trees for Pauline established itself as a major role player amongst cancer organisations. The following factors differentiate Pink Trees for Pauline from all other cancer organisations:

  • For the first time in South Africa various registered cancer organisations work together to raise funds for their specific communities under the auspices of Pink Trees for Pauline.
  • Funds raised in a town MUST be allocated to the cancer community within that town ensuring direct and immediately visible impact.
  • The appointed committee of each town sees to it that cancer patients and families affected by cancer in their community receive direct benefit from the funds raised i.e. access to treatment.
  • The only registered cancer organisation in South Africa that focuses purely on fund raising, granted membership by the Cancer Alliance.

Members of the public and businesses alike are invited to purchase metres of pink fabric, which are used to wrap the trees lining their streets and public areas. The effect is nothing short of breathtaking and raises both awareness and funds in order to improve the lives of those living with this malevolent disease.

HOW IT WORKS

Participants take to the streets, wrapping the trees outside their homes, offices, and public spaces with pink fabric. The attention is focused on cancer and cancer awareness in a visually stimulating way.

Material to wrap your trees can be bought for a minimum donation of R30 per meter from Adri. Businesses or individuals also invited to sponsor material to be used in less privileged areas and public spaces in order to make sure that all communities can be involved – not just those with the means.

The biggest reward for our organization is knowing that funds raised in a town has direct impact on those afflicted with cancer in that town.

All funds raised is used in aid of improving the quality of life of those living with cancer within the participating towns. To this end, the funds will be used in the following way:

  • Accommodation during cancer treatment
  • Home nursing
  • Feeding schemes for cancer patients
  • Supplying of wigs or prosthesis or wheelchairs
  • Playpens or toys for children in hospitals
  • Transport needs.

We strongly believe in empowering communities and contributing to a circular economy. The material used to wrap trees is taken down at the end of the project and utilized in various practical ways i.e. the donated material is used by charities to create products to sell and raise funds. Communities work together on these projects.  Products such as hats, handbags and place mats are woven and sold to raise funds.

We are proud of our drive to REUSE, REDUCE AND RECYCLE!