St Mary’s pupil brings smiles to HIV women
WAVERLEY - As we kick-start the Women's Month celebrations, a St Mary's pupil will hand over 125 dresses to the women who are living with HIV and Aids on Women's day.
The Grade 11 pupil, Brittany Wilsher who termed her collection ‘Princess Cupboard’ donated the dresses and other items like shoes to a Norwood-based non-profit organisation, Community Aids Response (Care). Handing over the items the 17-year -old Wilsher said she hoped that her collection would be gratefully received. “I know you (Care) have families in need, orphanages that need support, I hope this will bring happiness to them.”
Wilsher stated that the idea came from her Grade 11 leadership programme which was about doing something to support those who were not privileged like her . “I wanted to do something for those who do not have the nice things that I have had in my life and because I have been so privileged, I wanted to give back to people who have not had the opportunities I have had.
“My idea for my project was that I would collect dresses and outfits that under-privileged girls and women would love to have a chance to wear but because of their financial position would never be able to. I really felt that the communities that are supported by this oraganisation were in a worse position because of Aids. And so I am very glad to bring joy to them by giving them pretty dresses.”
Furthermore, the people’s loving person, Wilsher said she had a ‘toy box’ of toys for the little ones who don’t have very much and the third category will be for second hand items that can be distributed to where it was needed. The organisation’s official Nhlanhla Ndlovu said they really appreciated the donation from young soul like Wilsher. “There are very few teenagers who care about the society especially from the privileged families. We are very grateful to her.” Ndlovu said they provided integrated access to care and treatment in various clinics in informal settlements and the inner city. “We aim to provide holistic care and support for these people and their families and for the caregivers.”
“I wanted to do something for those who do not have the nice things that I have had in my life and because I have been so privileged, I wanted to give back to people who have not had the opportunities I have had.”
He said they were a team of professionals, caregivers and volunteers. “We provide ward based integrated health services such as HIV counselling and testing, bp checks, TB screening and much more.”
Details: Ndumiso Tshuma, 011-558-4955
