KNYSNA NEWS - A whopping R45 000 raised during the 2026 Knysna Oyster Festival's Cansa Walk was handed over to Cansa by the Recovery Addiction Program (Rap) during a handover ceremony at the Knysna Municipality's council chambers last Thursday, 23 July.

This community walk attracted partici-pants who walked in support of loved ones affected by cancer while raising funds for Cansa's patient care services.

Donovan Pofadder, founding member of Rap, said in his speech that every race entry, online registration and cash donation had been carefully accounted for, ensuring that the full R45 000 would go directly towards Cansa's work.

"I'm very proud of the team, considering that we only had two months to plan and deliver the event. We can only build on this success," he said.

Receiving the donation on behalf of Cansa, George's sustainability co-ordinator, Zantel Swanevelder, thanked Rap, the organising committee, the volunteers and everyone who took part in the walk. She said the funds would help Cansa to continue providing vital support to cancer patients through patient care programmes, wigs, wheelchairs and other essential services that improve quality of life and restore dignity.

Swanevelder also expressed the hope that Cansa would be able to expand its support services in Knysna, allowing more local patients and their families to access assistance closer to home during their cancer journey.

In his address, Mayor Thando Matika also praised Rap and everyone involved in the initiative. 

"This donation shows what can be achieved when a community comes together for a worthy cause. It also reflects the success of this year's Knysna Oyster Festival, which not only showcased our destination, but also created meaningful opportunities to make a lasting difference in people's lives," he said.

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