THE Makumbi Hall at Hotel InterContinental in Lusaka was last Saturday given a touch of pink as it hosted the Pink Gala Benefit by model Sphiwe Benasho’s Pink Diamond International.
Pink Diamonds, established four years ago by Sphiwe, specialises in event management, advertising and mentorship programmes for young men and women.
On Saturday, 50 models who participated in the Pink Diamonds leadership programme graduated while recognition awards were given to those who have made remarkable progress in their respective fields.
Those honoured included the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, Fay Designs and Mojo.
The Think Pink Saturday event, at which Macky II, Ariel Shaba and Wilz were among the entertainers, was also meant to raise awareness on breast cancer.
“Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers reported worldwide and in Zambia. It is the second most common cancer diagnosed in women after cervical cancer. Think Pink is a community initiative being enforced by Pink Diamonds aimed at promoting breast cancer awareness,” Sphiwe says.
“It is to be carried out throughout the month of October, which happens to be the breast cancer awareness month and ends with a pink gala as a grand finale. Our immediate goal is to educate women on the importance of good breast health management by supplying free educational bags that will be filled with information on breast cancer.
“Our long-term goal is to educate women on the importance of good, healthy breasts and help disseminate information on early detection of breast cancer. Statistics show that there is a 95 percent cure rate of breast cancer if diagnosed earlier.”
During the month of October, Pink Diamond had information booths at shopping malls and also had car washes, a cancer marathon, bake sales, women’s breakfast and pink Fridays.
It is something Sphiwe is passionate about.
“I want to be able to fulfil my vision of educating women on cancer and other causes. I honestly feel that it is my responsibility to give back to the community and cancer is what I am passionate about as I have lost family and friends because of it,” she says.
(DailyMail)
