Dignity drive needs community support

LOCAL non-profit organisation, Walk in Faith’s annual Dignity Drive campaign is under way and members of the public can support the initiative with donations of cash or toiletries.

The campaign, which has been running for several years, aims to make a difference in the lives of children whose families have fallen on tough times or who are struggling to make ends meet.

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According to organiser Merinda Ackerman, the campaign strives to help those who cannot afford hygiene necessities, and helps to restore their dignity by ensuring they have essential items to maintain good hygiene.

‘Many families have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic with loss of income owing to retrenchments or salary cuts, while it has just been so difficult for others to find a job these days.

‘Their first priority has been food and shelter with nothing left over for other essentials.

‘Many stay at home during school because they do not have the necessary toiletries.

‘We all know hygiene is first priority and so with the Dignity Drive campaign we are collecting toiletries to bless 335 children.

‘The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of maintaining proper hygiene at all times and we want to ensure our community’s children have these important items to continue to fight Covid-19.

‘No personal details will be given to anyone due to protecting the privacy and safety of the children, but ages are included and a name list has been compiled.

‘Donors or sponsors can use old pillowcases (decorated with paint / prints / messages), school lunch bags, toiletry bags or string bags to package their donations.

‘This can also be a challenge between companies / co-workers / learners, encouraging workplaces to get involved as a team building exercise that will help the community.

‘All bags need to be handed in by 4 June at 38 Raphia Palm, Arboretum and they will be handed over soon after.

‘Most of us perhaps know children, families or maybe a co-worker who really struggles to make it through the month, and one will be surprised to see how many people truly just cannot afford to buy toiletries due to high rent and living costs,’ said Ackerman.

All the children are from various schools, organisations and churches, and the cost per toiletry bag is R100.

A basic list of items has been compiled but donors are welcome to add additional hygiene products.

Financial donations can be made directly to the Walk in Faith bank account with reference: Dignity 2021.

All these children will be added to Walk in Faith’s Christmas Cheer drive Box of Blessing campaign as well.

For more information, contact 081 5382331 or email merinda.a69@gmail.com

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