On the 25^th and 26^th August the Brightwater Commons will play host to The Sunflower Fund and “Photos for Hope” initiative as well as a free concert on their grassy commons.  Everyone wanting to support those suffering with Leukaemia are invited to attend and purchase a photo for as little as R100.

The “Photos for Hope” initiative encourages people to purchase professional and amateur photos in aid of those suffering from Leukaemia. A4 photos will be available for R100, and for buyers in search of something extra special, larger canvases of two meters will be on auction.

Leukaemia patients need to find a genetic twin in order to receive a life saving stem cell transplant.  The tests that are required to establish this match cost R2000 each and The Sunflower Fund carries this cost in full, and so appeals to the public to help with this enormous burden.  

“Sufferers may die before a match is found, so therefore it is critical that we increase the number of potential donors on The South African Bone Marrow Registry.  On average, a patient needs to search through 100 000 individuals to find their donor and The Registry currently only stands at 64 500.  It is important to add that if you are ever selected as a donor, the process of donating stem cells does not involve drilling into your bones to extract actual bone marrow.  It’s a very simple process similar to giving blood.  This process is so costly to us that we have launched many initiatives, like “Photos for Hope”, to raise money,” says Lauren Corlett, the Communications Manager of The Sunflower Fund.

Although a very serious topic indeed, The Sunflower Fund have been innovative in their fundraising and have a fun weekend planned. 

Besides the sale and exhibition, Ivok Studios have donated their skills and time to the event.  They will be on hand to take professional photos of anyone willing to strike a pose and pay just R40!  They appeal to the public to come along and have their portraits taken, which tend to make for stunning gifts!  In so doing, you will be giving a gift to those who suffer from Leukaemia as the profits raised will go directly to the coffers of The Sunflower Fund. 

On Sunday, 26^th August, Brightwater Commons will be providing a free concert by Simply 4 from 2 – 4pm.  Feel free to bring along your blankets and loved ones for a wonderful day out. 

“I am convinced that this is going to be a really enjoyable day for everyone.  I believe that Randburg will again bring come with sense of community and compassion to Brightwater.  The bonus will be to relax in the warm afternoon sun and enjoy some eighties hits!”, says Francois du Buisson, Marketing Manager at the Brightwater Commons.

The Fund hopes that over the weekend they will raise enough money to be able to do 40 tests.  The equivalent of R80 000, this is no small goal.  Between the excitement of the exhibition and auction, the music and the crowds, perhaps it will be achieved.