THE Jes Foord Foundation (JFF) will honour Jes’ journey by hosting a family fun day to thank its community, family and friends for all their help and support throughout the first decade, on Sunday, 25 March at WavePark Gateway.
The foundation is rooted in the personal journey of Jes Foord and her horrific gang rape by four men, in 2008.
As part of her healing process, she chose not to be another rape victim, but rather a survivor, and learned to become a spokesperson campaigning on behalf of women and children who had gone through similar harrowing experiences.
Also read: Jes Foord Foundation robbed
The Counselling Centre provides need-specific counselling services for the community of Marianridge as well as nine other surrounding communities – working hand in hand with SAPS and the volunteers of The Victim Friendly Room.
The last 10 years they have reached more than 370 000 people with their awareness programme in schools across KZN, and have given almost 3 000 hours of free trauma counselling to rape survivors and their families.
Dubbed The Handbag Project, the JFF has packed and distributed more than 50 000 rape comfort bags which have been donated to rape survivors all over the country.
New or used handbags are donated, and packed with items which assist a rape victim during the initial reporting process at the rape crisis centres (the Thuthuzela Centres), as well as a personalised letter of affirmation, support and encouragement.
Also read: Much-needed funds raised at golf day
The Cinderella Project collects second-hand formal gowns and suits in good condition for donation to boys and girls at underprivileged schools for their matric dances.
The Foundation also keeps a small collection of evening gowns and dresses that corporates and individuals can ‘hire’ for the night to contribute to this cause.
The Actively Against initiative was formed in 2012 to further extend the reach into KZN schools.
With Jes’ message the foundation was able to reach the hearts of many young sportsmen in these schools who opted to wear green shorts to show their support for the foundation and what it stands for.
This initiative was supported by Jonssons Workwear – a partnership which has subsequently led to the beginning of the One Million Rand Project, whose aim is for 1 000 pupils or supporters raise R1 000 per pair of shorts to ultimately raise R1 000 000 towards the Foundation projects.
All ages allowed.
No food or beverages are allowed into the park, but you are welcome to bring swimming costumes, blankets and chairs.
Contact JFF: 0861 333 449 / admin@jff.org.za
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