Ok Tedi aims to raise K100,000 for cancer treatment in PNG

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has taken a great initiative to host a ‘Shave for a Cure’ fundraiser to raise K100,000 towards cancer testing and treatment in the country.
Initiated by the Organisational Development & Training Department, this is one of several “Pinktober” activities initiated by OTML through its various line departments and the Ok Tedi Women’s Network (OWN) to bring much needed awareness and information to the workforce about cancer.
Other activities include raising awareness about cancer, the signs and symptoms, and where to access services. A health and fitness competition for both men and women participants has also been organised.
Twenty employees, eleven females and nine males, from Ok Tedi and its contracted companies took part in the Shave for Cure fundraising drive.
“We hope to raise K100,000 to support the Cancer Unit at the Port Moresby General Hospital, which is the first stop for the majority of Papua New Guineans to get tested and treated for cancer at an early stage of the disease,” said James Munro, Manager OD & T.
He said OTML wishes to assist in ensuring there are medical facilities for early diagnosis leading to affordable treatment in-country.
Mr Munro said that three quarters of the targeted amount had already been raised with more donations expected during the remaining days of October and November. He acknowledged those who have already participated and contributed and encouraged others to dig deep towards this worthy cause.
The OD&T Team also renamed a room at Ok Tedi’s Dr. Jacob Weiss Training Centre after an inspirational employee, the late Lorraine Balepai who sadly passed away early this year from breast cancer.
“The late Ms Balepai was a great leader in her role as Superintendent Maintenance in our Processing Business Unit, leading and working professionally with a great team of men and women”, Acting General Manager Processing, Isaac Kwetok, said.
Mr Kwetok encouraged everyone to have regular medical check-ups and live a healthy lifestyle.
The “Shave for a Cure” fundraiser will continue into November.