Windhoek: Bank Windhoek's Cancer Apple Project has raised a record N$4 million this year, bringing the initiative's total contribution to the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) to N$42.4 million since its inception in 2000.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Bank Windhoek in a media statement on Tuesday said the funds were handed over to CAN in Windhoek as the project marked its 26th year of raising funds for cancer awareness, screening, outreach, and patient support programmes across Namibia.

'The N$4 million raised this year will support CAN's outreach, screening, awareness, and patient-support initiatives at a time when Namibia is estimated to record 4,205 new cancer diagnoses, with breast, cervical and prostate cancer among the most detected cancers annually,' the statement reads.

CAN Chief Executive Officer Rolf Hansen said the contribution comes at a critical time and described cancer as one of Namibia's pressing public health priorities.

'This generous contribution from Bank Windhoek and the many Namibians who supported the project will help us strengthen awareness, promote earlier detection, support families in need and bring practical hope to people affected by cancer across the country,' Hansen said.

He said the project also contributes to addressing the impact of cancer on children and adolescents, with data from the Namibia National Cancer Registry indicating that approximately 136 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer in Namibia annually.

Bank Windhoek Managing Director James Chapman said the success of the project demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when businesses, government, civil society, schools, communities, and individuals work together towards a common cause.

'The Cancer Apple Project is a powerful expression of what effective corporate social responsibility should be,' Chapman said.

He highlighted that the initiative uses the bank's national branch network and digital platforms to make participation accessible, allowing members of the public to support the campaign by purchasing apples, apple juice, or virtual apples, as well as making donations through digital channels.

Chapman thanked members of the public who supported the initiative by buying apples, making donations, or encouraging others to participate.