Joining hands to assist rape victims

A NON-PROFIT organisation and a business with big hearts and a passion for helping those in need have teamed up to collect comfort packs for rape victims.

Aunty Hanneli’s Helping Hand (AHHH) and BARcode 4093 at the Queensburgh Sports Association in Bowker Road are calling on the community to sponsor items or packs of items to be handed over to Bobbi Bear and the Jess Foord Foundation for distribution to victims of rape.

Hanneli Preston of AHHH, more affectionately known as Aunty H, has been involved in collecting these kits for a number of years.

“The kits include a new pair of underwear, toiletries, sanitary pads, a notebook and pen and other items. These are given to young boys, girls and women who sadly become the victims of rape. We also ask donors to include a soft toy for children under the age of 13,” said Preston.

Also read: Foundation creates awareness on sexual assault

The notebook and pen are included as the victim is asked to draw what happened, and Aunty H hopes to collect at least 500 kits this year.

Beth de Bruyn, who manages BARcode 4093 said, she was happy to assist AHHH in this initiative and has agreed for the bar to be a collection point for items. She has also placed a collection jar inside the premises for the community and patrons to place their cash donations.

The business is also hosting a community drive and flea market on June 22 where sports clubs, bikers, families and businesses can drop off items and kits. The event takes place from 10:00 to 16:00.

“We encourage everyone to come and support this cause on the day. There will be lots for everyone to do. More importantly, we need the support of locals, organisations, clubs and the like to host drives of their own to provide more support,” said de Bruyn.

Several bike clubs are already involved, which have planned a convoy to the sports club on the day to drop off sponsored kits and items.

For fitness junkies, a Taebo and Zumba class will be held, and for shoppers, a flea market will be in full swing. Stalls can be booked at a cost of R100 by contacting Shay du Plessis on 073 373 3527.

To sponsor kits and toiletries, contact Aunty H on 074 559 9039.

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