Ratile Mabitsela is organising a nappy drive, with revenues going to Ekurhuleni children’s shelters, including one in Germiston.
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Chubby Chums, a Germiston-based child protection organisation, has been chosen as a beneficiary of the drive.
Chubby Chums was founded in 1999 to help meet the needs of the many children who have been left destitute due to poverty, disease, and abuse.
What began as a two-man mission by Martin Barnard and Tony Graham, who died because of cancer, the organisation has expanded to 36 children’s homes.
Mabitsela’s mission is to help newborns and mothers in need of diapers, particularly those from low-income homes.
“Dirty diapers are hazardous to one’s health, causing hepatitis A, viral meningitis, and severe bacterial diarrhoea. A lack of diapers affects a mother’s self-esteem and can harm the mother-child bond,” said Mabitsela.
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“Frequent diaper changes prevent severe diaper rash, loss of appetite, aureus, urinary infections, renal failure, and other complications.
“Negative childhood experiences might also have an impact on growth. A basic need is the availability of clean diapers,” she said.
“The goal is to raise at least 100 packets of diapers. Giving back to the community is a wonderful way to make a difference and a kind gesture.
“When we contribute to others, we can cause a ripple effect, encouraging others to do the same, and thereby boosting generosity across our community,” said Mabitsela.
Mabitsela is a businesswoman, a mother, a wife, and the Mrs SA semi-finalist.
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Through the Miss Tembisa pageant, she has learned to sharpen the lives of young women.
“Pageantry has been an extremely beneficial tool in my personal development. I wish I had begun this when I was younger. It aided me in developing my self-esteem and confidence,” said Mabitsela.
To donate and help Mabitsela in her journey you may contact her at 079 505 8935, on Facebook at Ratile Boitumelo Mabitsela Mrs South Africa semi-finalist 2023.
