School supports handbag project for rape survivors

GLENWOOD High School is throwing its support behind the Jes Foord Handbag Project once again this year as part of its Old Boys’ Weekend celebrations at the end of May.

The handbags will be handed over to the Jes Foord Foundation on Friday 26 May 2017 during assembly. Last year the Glenwood family pulled together and collected more than 100 bags for rape survivors.

The school has appealed to the community to assist with the project by donating new or used handbags containing items that can assist a rape victim during the initial reporting process at the police station. These items include a facecloth, soap, deodorant spray and new underwear.

The project not only delivers handbags for women, but backpacks for men and children as well, as women are not the only rape victims. Each handbag received will be packed with the items. “Obviously it would be greatly appreciated if people could hand in a bag with a few items, but an empty handbag is of great help as well. Should you wish to donate a bulk of certain items and not individual bags, you are most welcome to do so,” said Hannelie Erasmus from Glenwood High.

For children, the school packs a Kiddi-pack, which is in high demand. Items needed for these packs are an A4 sized fabric drawstring bag, or small back pack, panties/underpants, a pack of tissues or wet wipes, soap and facecloth, sanitary pad, a notebook, blue ball point pen, colouring pencils/crayons, and a teddy or small soft toy.

For the rape comfort bags, items needed include a face cloth, panties (small, medium or large), sanitary towels, soap (liquid or bar), body lotion (small), toothpaste, tooth brush, shampoo, deodorant, small pack of tissues, a small soft toy, a note – words of comfort/care, and a bag to place the items in.

You can drop off your donation at the Glenwood High School reception for attention: Marketing.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.

You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.