OMNiBRIDGE, a TeliMatrix company (JSE: MIX) and a global leader in fleet management solutions, raised funds for The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) as staff members contributed their time and hairstyles to the annual Shavathon.

Four years ago, CANSA launched a national “Shavathon” campaign, which has since become an anticipated annual event across South Africa. The event raises both national awareness and funds to expand cancer prevention programmes, research and patient care services. This year, CANSA aimed to exceed last year’s success, which raised funds of approximately R 15 Million.

CANSA challenged corporate South Africa to “dare to go bare and colour their hair” on Friday 15th of February. Companies were invited to host their own Shavathon, where staff members could volunteer and support the cause by either shaving off their hair or temporarily colouring it with hair spray, a vegetable dye that easily washes away, or by purchasing a badge for R10. On the Saturday, the nation participated at the numerous shopping malls that hosted the event.

OMNiBRIDGE took the challenge head on by hosting their own Shavathon and encouraged all staff members to participate. A little healthy competition was introduced, when the head office in Stellenbosch, Cape Town, challenged the Johannesburg branch to raise the most money with staff volunteers. The head office had a slight advantage with a work force of over 100 staff members - almost triple the size of the Midrand branch, which focuses predominantly on sales and fleet consultancy.

The OMNiBRIDGE marketing department in Stellenbosch took their new role as hairdressers very seriously and opened a “salon” on the main balcony with colour charts, clippers and consultations. Queues spilled over into the main boardroom, with people awaiting their makeovers and lingering to watch their peers transform. The highlight of the day was the brave and bold Human Resource Manager, Concetta Isolano, who shaved off all of her shoulder length hair. Both she and another colleague donated their ponytails to CANSA to make wigs for chemotherapy patients and burn victims.

OMNiBRIDGE donated R 50 for each person participating and raised even more awareness amongst staff and intrigued “admirers” who inquired about the extreme makeovers. Both offices are to be commended on their involvement, as over 90% of the staff left work on Friday with hair all the colours of the rainbow – or donning a beanie!

OMNiBRIDGE is proud to be involved with such a worthy charity. Not only did the Shavathon raise necessary funds and awareness, but hosting the event become a great team building exercise at OMNiBRIDGE. The company will continue to support CANSA as the Shavathon will become a permanent and celebrated event on the busy OMNiBRIDGE calendar. OMNiBRIDGE challenges other company to join them next year as they embrace “stubble for a cause”!


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