SPAR donates R500 000 towards fight against gender-based violence

THE Open Door Crisis Care Centre received a generous sponsorship of R500 000 from SPAR.

The donation will ensure that the centre’s vision in reaching thousands of men, women and children every year becomes a reality.

ALSO READ: Pinetown’s Open Door continues to care for abuse victims

SPAR KZN’s advertising and promotions manager, Nelene Rampersad said the increase in gender-based violence cases have marred the country and over the lockdown period, the country has seen a surge in women and children abuse.

In order to curb this impact and support the victims, SPAR launched a timely Women’s Month campaign, designed to instigate change.

“The Women’s Month campaign was a clarion call for all South Africans to make change happen and support a cause which works hard to uplift and empower women locally and by purchasing a beaded bracelet for just R5, one could change the lives of many women.

ALSO READ: NPO assists Pinetown’s Open Door with toiletries

“’South Africans responded wholeheartedly. Over the duration of this campaign, the KZN region raised a phenomenal R500 000 towards uplifting women and children, and making change happen,” said Rampersad.

All the proceeds for this campaign in KZN were donated to The Open Door Crisis Care Centre, a place which has been a safe haven for abused women and vulnerable children since 1997, providing both prevention and intervention.

The centre is a one-stop crisis centre, offering counselling, social support and training, with a focus on domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking and trauma counselling.

Rampersad said this drive is in line with SPAR’s current fight against gender-based violence, giving a platform for awareness through media coverage and supporting organisations at the forefront of providing shelter and help to victims.

“It’s thanks to campaigns such as these and your generous donations that places of hope like The Open Door Crisis Care Centre can save even more lives, changing the narrative for South African women,” added Rampersad.

From small beginnings The Open Door is today recognised as a lead organisation not only nationally but also internationally addressing serious social issues through counselling, psycho social services and support groups.

Their work has impacted the lives of in excess of over 400 000 men, women and children for rape, domestic violence, child abuse, crimes of violence and trafficking in persons.

ALSO READ: SPAR’s hearty donation creates hope

Founder and director of the centre, Thora Mansfield, said there are few words that can express their thanks and appreciation as due to lockdown The Open Door has not been able to hold any fundraising events.

“The sponsorship will enable us to sustain our many services, maintain staff and make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable of our communities,” said Mansfield.

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