The past few months have demonstrated something fundamental about fighting cancer – it requires community effort. From corporate partnerships to student fundraisers, from workplace bake sales to diaspora communities halfway across the world, support for the Cancer Concern Association has come from every direction. Each donation tells a story about people choosing to contribute to something bigger than themselves.
On October 28th, SEYPEC marked both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and their 40th anniversary by making a substantial donation to the Cancer Concern Association. The timing wasn’t coincidental – it reflected a deliberate choice to celebrate a company milestone by supporting the community.
The donation came in two parts. First, essential toiletries worth SCR 6,612 for cancer patients currently residing at the hospice. These aren’t luxury items – they’re daily necessities that maintain dignity and comfort for people dealing with the physical challenges of cancer treatment. The practical nature of this donation shows understanding of what patients actually need.
Second, a monetary contribution of SCR 40,000, specifically tied to SEYPEC’s 40th anniversary. This significant amount will directly support patients traveling overseas for cancer treatment – often a financial burden that families struggle to manage on top of everything else cancer brings.
Mrs. Dinaz Van Der Lans, Chairperson of the Cancer Concern Association, expressed gratitude for SEYPEC’s ongoing support, noting that both the items and funds address real, immediate needs in the cancer care community.
SEYPEC CEO Mrs. Sarah Romain captured an important truth during the handover: “cancer affects everyone, not just the person.” The disease ripples outward, touching families, friends, coworkers, and entire communities. Her acknowledgment of the Association’s work recognized the comprehensive support required when cancer enters someone’s life.
One moment from the donation ceremony stood out. A SEYPEC team member who lost his partner to cancer donated a special air mattress designed to prevent bedsores in patients. This personal contribution, born from direct experience with cancer care, added another layer of meaning to the corporate donation. It showed how institutional support and individual compassion can work together.
SEYPEC followed through on their commitment by participating in the annual Cancer Walk at Beau Vallon Beach later that week, turning their financial support into visible community presence.
On November 4th, the Seychelles Institute of Technology presented funds collected during their Cancer Concern Day to Chairperson Ms. Dinaz Van der Lans. The donation came from learners, lecturers, and support staff across the institution who participated in fundraising activities.
Student-led fundraising carries particular significance. These are young people early in their careers, many managing tight budgets themselves, choosing to contribute to cancer support services. It reflects values being formed – the understanding that community responsibility includes supporting those facing health crises.
The involvement of lecturers and support staff alongside students created an institutional culture of giving rather than just a one-off event. When educational institutions embrace causes like cancer awareness, they’re teaching lessons that extend far beyond any classroom curriculum.
The Coast Guard of Seychelles organized a bake sale, channeling the proceeds to the Cancer Concern Association. The simplicity of the gesture – baking, selling, donating – demonstrates that effective fundraising doesn’t require complicated schemes or large budgets.
Bake sales work because they’re accessible. Anyone can contribute by baking, buying, or spreading the word. They create opportunities for informal conversations about why the fundraiser matters, naturally spreading awareness alongside raising funds. The Coast Guard’s initiative shows military personnel engaging in community health support in practical, hands-on ways.
Distance doesn’t diminish connection to home. The Seychellois community in Perth, Australia, contributed SCR 30,000 to the Cancer Concern Association – funds raised during activities celebrating Seychelles National Day, organized by the Honorary Consulate of Seychelles in Western Australia.
This donation is particularly meaningful because it came from people living thousands of kilometers away who maintain strong ties to Seychelles. They celebrated their national day by supporting cancer care back home, demonstrating that the Seychellois diaspora remains invested in the wellbeing of communities they left but haven’t forgotten.
On September 2nd, Mr. Travis Payet, Officer in charge of the Diaspora Unit at the Foreign Affairs Department, officially presented the donation to Ms. Dinaz Van der Lans, Chairperson of the Cancer Concern Association Seychelles, during a ceremony at Maison Queau de Quinsy. The formal presentation acknowledged both the diaspora’s generosity and the importance of maintaining these connections between Seychellois communities worldwide.
Each contribution – whether SCR 40,000 from a corporation, funds from student activities, proceeds from a bake sale, or SCR 30,000 from overseas – directly impacts cancer care in Seychelles.
The toiletries ensure hospice patients have daily necessities without families bearing additional costs. The monetary donations cover treatment travel expenses that might otherwise be impossible for families to afford. The collective fundraising builds community awareness about cancer while generating financial support. Every rupee contributes to the comprehensive services that help people navigate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Beyond the immediate financial impact, these donations send messages. They tell cancer patients and their families that the community stands with them. They demonstrate to healthcare providers that public support exists for cancer care services. They show that organizations across sectors – corporate, educational, military, diaspora – recognize cancer as a community concern requiring collective response.
Cancer doesn’t take breaks, and neither does the need for support services. While these recent donations provide crucial resources, the Cancer Concern Association’s work continues year-round. Treatment costs remain high. Patients still need travel support for overseas care. Hospice services require ongoing supplies. Awareness and prevention programmes need sustained funding.
Anyone inspired by these examples of corporate and community giving can contribute in their own way. Financial donations of any size make a difference. Workplace fundraisers like bake sales or casual Fridays create both funds and awareness. Sharing information about CCA’s work extends their reach. Volunteering time supports programme delivery.
To SEYPEC’s staff and management, the learners and staff at SIT, the Coast Guard of Seychelles, and the Seychellois community in Perth – thank you. Your contributions directly improve cancer care and support in Seychelles. Your example encourages others to give what they can, building the collective effort that makes comprehensive cancer support possible.
Cancer affects all of us. Supporting those who face it should involve all of us too.
At Cancer Concern Association Seychelles, we unite our community in the fight against cancer through education, early detection, and comprehensive support services. Learn more at cancerconcernassociationsey.com | Contact us: +248 2522440
