The Hangout: CHOC's Flip Flop Day 2026 launches to support children with cancer

It’s time to remind you that your toesies need to be ready, so book those pedicures. Flip Flop Day 2026 was officially launched this week at a beautiful media event held at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff.

Media, influencers, and sponsors gathered to connect, share, and celebrate the heart of Flip Flop Day and why it matters so much. It’s the perfect excuse to show off your toes, your flip-flops and your love for a cause that makes a real difference.

Flip Flop Day is an initiative by CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa and exists to raise funds and awareness for children diagnosed with cancer and life-threatening blood disorders. CHOC itself was born from love, courage, and a desperate need for hope.

In 1977, Sister Sadie Cutland and her husband, Julian’s seven-year-old daughter Hillary, was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia. Just two years later, Sadie formed a support group for parents and volunteers, and in 1979, CHOC was established in Johannesburg. What started as one brave idea driven by love now supports more than 1 500 families at any given time across the country.

CHOC offers far more than practical support. From accommodation for outpatients and their parents to transport to and from treatment centres, meals, care bags, and bereavement support, the foundation walks with the families every step of the way. More than anything, they offer love, kindness, cuddles, and hope. Hope changes everything, and knowing you’re not alone can make even the darkest days just a little lighter.

Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to attend many CHOC events, and I’m so grateful to be a tiny part of a movement so big and powered by so much hope and kindness. The CHOC staff, volunteers, and iconic CHOC Cows are nothing short of legendary. Their compassion, courage, and commitment to keeping hope alive are truly inspiring and make my toes curl in admiration every single time.

Flip Flop Day first flopped into our lives in 2020 and has since become a firm favourite on the calendar. This year, Flip Flop Day takes place on Friday, February 20. Joining in is super easy. Grab a Flip Flop Day sticker for just R10 from CHOC or any Tekkie Town nationwide. Pop your sticker on, slip on your flip-flops on the day, and then get your friends, colleagues, and communities to do the same.

Snap some photos, tag CHOC, use #FlipFlopDay26, and help spread the love and, most importantly, awareness.

Flip Flop Day is proof that when we all do a little together, it goes a long way. When just 20 friends buy a sticker, it can cover the average monthly transport cost for a child getting to treatment. If 30 friends get involved, that helps fund a CHOC Carebag for every newly diagnosed child or teenager. These Carebags have all the essentials from toiletries to a parent handbook to guide families through the journey ahead. When 60 people take part, it’s enough to cover one night of accommodation for a child or teenager and their caregiver at a CHOC House, giving them a safe, clean room and meals, completely free.

Little steps, big impact, all together showing what’s possible when a nation comes together with purpose.

There’s also something special about the history of the humble flip-flop itself. The earliest versions date back to around 4 000 BC when Ancient Egyptians wore thong-style sandals made from plant fibres such as papyrus. Imagine you were wearing flops made out of paper right now? Wild! Anyway, thousands of years later, those same soles are helping to carry hope forward, one colourful, happy flip-flop at a time.

This campaign would not be possible without the incredible humans who continue to show up with heart and purpose. 

On Friday, February 20, let Flippie be your rather late-than-never Valentine or even your cute little soulmate.

For more information, to buy stickers, or to get involved, visit choc.org.za or email flipflopday@choc.org.za

Every pair has a purpose.Each small step with friends builds a future filled with courage, care, and community.