Bluesky shave, save or dye campaign launched

By Nefertiti Matatia 12 May 2018, 12:00AM

The Bluesky Samoa shave, save or dye it campaign was launched yesterday.

This event aims to raise awareness and raise funds to assist the Samoa Cancer Society.

The campaign will be held on 28 June, 2018 at the Taumeasina Island Resort from 6pm until midnight and registrations ends on 18 May.

Twenty-eight people have registered including an 11-year-old, who is the youngest of the lot so far. 

President of the Samoa Cancer Society, Lauaki Jason Annandale said the campaign is for a great cause in terms of awareness. 

He said having Minister for Education, Sports and Culture, Loau Keneti Sio and Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Afioga Afamasaga Lepuia’i Rico Tupai on board helps boost cancer awareness. 

“I am extremely grateful to have the support of the Government. The Ministers and some of the key captains in the industry have registered and are hoping they could reach their targets. In that way we can raise some resources for the Cancer Society.

“Having high profile members of Cabinet in the Government and captain of industries help raise the profile of the event, which is also very important for us,” he said.

Lauaki also highlighted the importance of raising awareness.

“It is important for us to raise that awareness so we would also start getting more patients who feel that they have the symptoms of cancer, presenting it early so that doctors can be able to assess where they are at.

“We have an issue here in Samoa of late presentation and when someone presents themselves late, it makes it very difficult to be able to find some kind of remedy. 

“Prevention is better than cure.”

Lauaki shared: “You have heard from the A.N.Z. this morning (yesterday) also that they have got confirmation from the A.N.Z. headquarters that they will give A$100 (T$193) for every one of their staff who dyes a part of their hair blue. 

“That is significant because if 150 of their staff are going to do that, they will get A$100 each and that is going to be a massive fundraising effort.”

He explained: “So for instance if Loau Keneti Sio registers to shave his hair and he pledges that he will fundraise a certain amount of money, then he is going to take a form and go out to the people to sponsor him, whatever the target would be.

“But by the looks of it this morning (yesterday), his target came from $10,000 to $20,000 to something that is a little bit higher.

“Everyone who is registering has to raise money even if you are dyeing your hair. You pledge your own amount.”

Lauaki also explained what happens to those who would refuse to shave their hair after registering to have their hair shaved.

“You notice the name of the event is shave it or save it or dye it. To say that some come to register to shave their hair and pledge that you will raise a certain amount of money and on the event you don’t want to shave your hair, then you have to match your pledge dollar for dollar for saving your hair.

“Saving options requires you dollar for dollar by the amount that you have raised with your pledge.”

By Nefertiti Matatia 12 May 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>