If you are tickled pink while driving down Club Street and Setperk Street leading from Republic Road towards the Fairway Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, and wondered what the reason for the pink wrapped trees were?  We have the answer and the story behind these fabric clad tree trunks is one of love, faith and hope – one that continues to inspire.

The story behind these fabric clad trees trunks that line the streets,  is one of love, hope and faith. All of us have been touched with some form of cancer, whether it be directly or indirectly,  Carol-Anne van Jaarsveldt lost both her mother and grandmother, both named Pauline to this dreaded disease. By wrapping pink fabric around trees rooted alongside  the roads of her hometown of Graaff-Reinet, she hoped to, not only heighten cancer awareness, to unite communities but also help raise funds to assist those living with the disease.

FOR THE PAST 8 YEARS THE FAIRWAY HOTEL, SPA & GOLF RESORT HAVE IN INVOLVED IN THE PINK TREES FOR PAULINE PROJECT TO RAISE AWARENESS OF BREAST CANCER.

Invited guests which included Kerry-Anne Allerston (who was also our amazing MC), Rox-Anne Maistry, Steffi Brink, Eloise Cupido & Wayne Stafford joined in wrapping trees after which they enjoy a special crafted pink brunch featuring exquisite delicacies in pink and Pink Bubbles supplied by Distell in High Ball Craft Bar.

Margaret Hawkins, a breast cancer survivor, gave a motivation talk to woman with breast cancer and said “I was feeling really bad about myself … and made a conscious decision to get up, put on my wig and my false eyelashes. I remember putting the lashes on and being like, ‘Wow, I feel like me again in a way.’ The morning was concluded with prize giving for best dressed and best team while being entertained by the soothing sounds of the Daniella and her violin.

The trees leading to the hotel were wrapped in pink material and one tree in front of the hotel was used as a memory tree while shades of pink ribbons were tied around branches later during the day. The project honoured all those who had succumbed to cancer as well as those who have survived or fighting the dreaded disease

“One of the main reason we got involved in this great initiative was to show our support towards cancer awareness. At Guvon Hotels & Spas and The Fairway Hotel in particular we pride ourselves in being actively involved in community projects throughout the year and by being involved in The Pink Trees for Pauline project, we are honoured to highlight breast cancer and cancer awareness in  general.” says Brenda Dooge, Group PR Manager for Guvon Hotels & Spas.