Being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, September is an excellent time for people and corporates to show their support of children with cancer by signing up to CHOC-olate and for raising awareness about the early warning signs.
In South Africa, late diagnosis is a key factor resulting in a recovery rate of only 52%. Thus CHOC runs an awareness programme, which has translated into more - and earlier - diagnoses, leading to a 23% increase in the occupancy in its 13 accommodation facilities nationwide. Without holistic support, many children - particularly those from low-income households living far from treatment centres - would not be able to access, or adhere to, treatment which can last up to three years.
The programme is not only targeted at individuals but also at corporates. Signing up employees, clients and/or suppliers provides a novel and attractive way for a corporate to incentivise or reward, while the corporate can claim back a significant portion of the costs as a tax reduction.
It has been shown that corporate loyalty programmes build brand allegiance through a relationship of mutual benefit for the company and the members; now CHOC is taking this strategy to the next level where the corporate, the employee and the NGO all benefit.
Corporates can pay full membership fees or a portion thereof, or they can promote the programme to employees as a payroll giving option. Individuals and employees who join before the end of September will automatically be entered into a draw to win a two-day cruise for two adults, worth over R8,000, sponsored by MSC Cruises.
For a minimum monthly contribution of R59.95, members gain access to an array of two for the price of one benefits, including two for one movie tickets to Nu Metro cinemas nationwide; two for one dining at over 750 restaurants across the country; two for one beauty treatments at over 750 service providers; and two for one tickets from Computicket outlets, up to the value of R150 each.
Fully utilised benefits would be to the value of more than R3,000 a month. Of the minimum contribution over 50% goes to CHOC and the remainder goes towards the benefit costs. If a member opts to increase the donation portion, then the addition goes entirely to CHOC.
