The Sunflower Fund have launched their new campaign in the run up to Sunflower Day which is held on 16 September.

The new “Tope”, which stands for Tube of Hope can be bought from Pick n Pay or one of the fund’s retail partners - Round Table, selected ICPA­ pharmacies and the online store, Zando.

Being very versatile, the Tope may be used in a wide variety of sports or outdoor activities and will be available in six eye-catching colours and offers practical functionality for the entire family and gives wearers the opportunity to show their support for this important cause. The Tope will be available in small for R20 and large for R25.

“It’s an affordable, multipurpose article of clothing that can be worn as a headband, mask, scarf, cap or arm-band,” said Sunflower Fund’s CEO, Alana James

“I am delighted to see that The Sunflower Fund continues its vital work. I am also excited at the prospect of a new signature campaign, in the form of Sunflower Day where we have remained true to our roots, but have also had the opportunity to move with the times by introducing the Tope. I hope that our loyal supporters are as captivated with the Tope as we are and encourage the public to buy them now,” said Tina Botha, founder patron of the fund.

Topes are also integral to The Sunflower Fund’s inaugural schools competition.

“For the first time ever, The Sunflower Fund is offering a first prize to the value of R20 000 to the school that shows the greatest Sunflower spirit on Sunflower Day.

“Take photos of your class, or even your whole school, doing something creative with the Topes, upload them to The Sunflower Fund’s Facebook Page – Sunflower Day Schools Competition – Gallery, and get your family and friends ‘liking’ your entries,” said James.

She added that the winning school would receive a donation of goods of the school’s choice, to the value of R20 000. The second prize is goods to the value of R10 000 and a third prize to the value of R5 000.

Prizes have been sponsored by the SABC Foundation.

It has been a case of “out with the old and in with the new”, with the fund’s new signature campaign, Sunflower Day replacing Bandana Day that had previously taken place in October.