Student 24/7 May 2014 | Page 21

ALUMNI NEWS Lending a helping hand Keleabetswe Narenti As students we tend to get caught up in our lives and taking the time to supporting a cause is an act of humanity and courage, to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves, to lend a helping hand every now and then goes a long way to showing people that there is someone out there that cares. Here are some of the causes you can support without living your comfort zone and which will be great for your portfolio as you start your professional journey. • SPCA The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – SPCA ‘for short’ – aims to protect all animals from cruelty, neglect and ill treatment that often results from ignorance of animals and their needs. When they say ‘all’ animals, they mean exactly that – from pet dogs, cats and rabbits to farm animals, poultry and even wildlife. Living up to their mission necessitates the work of many different units within the SPCA, which together ensure that animal rights are protected. You can contact them through their website • The Cancer Association of South Africa CANSA CANSA’s purpose is to lead the fight against cancer in South Africa and its mission is to be the preferred nonprofit organisation that enables research, educates the public and provides support to all people affected by cancer. You can get involve by visiting their website www.cansa. org.za by doing the following: signing up as a member, volunteering your services, raising fund online and on the field, supporting online fundraisers and buying products to support CANSA. • SANBS SANBS is a non-profit organisation that provides an essential service within South Africa and is rated amongst the best in the world in the provision of blood and blood products, as well as in relation to the research and training provided. SANBS operates across all of South Africa, with the exclusion of the Western Cape. SANBS is further regarded as a major role player in the provision of support to countries in t