Western Extension goes pink to spread kindness
The community of the Western Extension "village" are proud supporters of charity and invite the public to be involved in their various initiatives
Businesses in Russel Street, Western Extension, which wanted to give back to the community decided to host a Pink is Powerful charity drive recently, in celebration of Women’s Month.
They held a fun run at 9am and finished off with a longer walk at 11am.
People came from all over dressed in pink to celebrate women in anyway possible, donating sanitary items and much more.
“The idea behind the charity drive was a collective decision by the businesses and restaurants as we wanted to give back in anyway that we could, especially to the women in need during Women’s Month,” explained Ivonne Taylor, owner of Lemongrass Restaurant.
“Our objectives were to raise awareness on the importance of protecting and respecting all women in South Africa and to raise donations of feminine hygiene products, women’s clothing and shoes,” explained Taylor.
“We have always had events to attract visitors to our beautiful Western Extension Village area to show just how much this part of Benoni is reinventing itself and to share the love and kindness in our community in whatever way possible.
“Our previous drives included a Trick or Treat for Halloween, Carols by Candlelight for Christmas in 2019, Leprechaun Crawl for St Patrick’s Day and a blanket fund-raiser for Mandela Day … and now our Pink is Powerful campaign.”
The initiative was a joint collaboration between Western Extension businesses, including The Victorian Secret, Lemongrass, Art-rageous, Cheers Bar & Bistro, Bamboo Massage Spa and iThemba Rape Crisis Support Centre.
“Please show your support for Women’s Month by donating items in our pink donation boxes at all of our restaurants,” requested Taylor.
Donations are in support of iThemba, Life Choices, Bethesda Centre, HomeStart Benoni local women’s charities and shelters.
“We thank our beautiful community and its residents who showed their support for this amazing initiative by coming out and donating even in these trying times. We are incredibly humbled and grateful for the amazing turnout and marvelous donations,” said Taylor. “It is a true example of Covid kindness in our Benoni community.”
The Pink is Powerful initiative is one of many planned for the coming months.
“We encourage all residents of Benoni and surrounding areas to continue to share the love and kindness to anyone in need. These are the times in which we all have to stick together and help South Africa to heal as a nation,” concluded Taylor.
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