Spread hope with handbag project

THE community is urged to support the Jes Foord Foundation’s Handbag Project during the month of May.

The Handbag Project relies on the support of the community to donate new or used handbags containing items that can assist a rape victim during the initial reporting process at the police station, such as a facecloth, soap and new underwear.

“Typically any item of clothing with forensic evidence on it must be taken from the rape victim, at a time when she or he already feels so vulnerable. The survivor must then undergo a physical examination before being allowed to shower. A handbag with ‘comforting’ items in it can go a long way in helping the victim feel a little better. The most important item in the bag however, is a letter with a few words of encouragement to restore some hope to the survivor during this traumatic time. Receiving this comfort bag is the start of their journey from victim to survivor,” explained Trish Gillespie from the Jes Foord Foundation.

Each month the Jes Foord Foundation aims to pack 400 rape comfort bags (160 handbags and 240 kiddi packs) for over 20 beneficiaries country-wide who have come to so greatly depend on these bags. Rape comfort bags are delivered to Thuthuzela Centres, Childline facilities and to the National Court children’s rooms.

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“Sadly our Kiddi Packs make up 60 per cent of our total monthly quota and are currently in high demand,” explained Trish.

How you can help

Items needed to make up an Adult Rape Comfort Bag:

Handbag

Panties / underpants (small, medium or large)

Soap and a clean new facecloth

Sanitary pads

Small body lotion

Toothpaste and toothbrush

Small shampoo

Deodorant

Small pack of tissues

A note with words of care and encouragement

Items needed to make up a Kiddi Pack for children under the age of 12:

Drawstring bag (minimum size 33cm x 43 cm) or small backpack

Panties / underpants (to replace soiled underwear)

Small pack of tissues

Soap and a clean, new facecloth

Sanitary pad (for vaginal and anal bleeding)

Notebook and ball point pen (used for art therapy to assist in forensic evidence gathering)

Colouring pencils or crayons and a 24-page colouring book

Teddy or small soft toy (for the child to keep and provide comfort for)

Schwenn Inc. will be the main drop off point for Durban North and surrounding areas for the month of May, situated at 13 Ennisdale Drive, Durban North. You can also drop off donations at any of the other designated collection areas listed on the Jes Foord Foundation website: www.jff.org.za.

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