Shannon Parker, Jessica Rapelego and Tshiamo Mainole are three young women who have started an initiative to collect sanitary pads for underprivileged women and teenage girls.
“The first school that we would like to give sanitary pads to is KwaBhekilanga Secondary School in Alexandra and, hopefully, from there we will have a stronger support base, allowing us to continuously donate to other women in need and in surrounding communities,” explained Parker.
“Our goal for this drive is to raise 250 to 300 packs of sanitary pads and tampons. We hope to reach this target by 21 June.”
The girls are trying to achieve their goal by getting local celebrities and public figures involved to inspire people in the community to contribute to their cause.
“The response of people in our community has been great, but nothing has materialised as of yet,” added Parker.
“We managed to secure two drop-off zones so far, one in Melville at 27 Boxes at a store called Toast.it [shop number 32] between 10am and 5pm on weekdays as well as 10am and 4pm on weekends. We also have one in Rivonia at Summit Brake & Steering, 375 Rivonia Boulevard, opposite the tennis courts of Rivonia Primary School.” Donations can be dropped off between 7am and 4.30pm on weekdays and 8am to 12pm on Saturdays in Rivonia.
People who want to drop off sanitary pads, but cannot make it to the venues can contact the girls on e-mail and they will arrange to meet and pick up the pads themselves.
Details: shanbpark@gmail.com; tshiamomainole@gmail.com; Jessicarapelego@gmail.com; SMS 073 653 8363.
