“The women in our community also need to be reassured during these difficult times. We need to provide support and comfort to all the women across Newcastle and let them know they are not alone.”
This is the belief of Maxine Dladla, a Fairleigh resident who is passionate about community work. Prior to the national lockdown, Dladla and a member of the Newcastle Lions Club, Nicolette Baney were working on a plan to create food parcels for the less fortunate in the Newcastle area.
“During this process, we realised the needs of the residents go further than just food.”
Dladla explained that young women in Fairleigh were in need of sanitary pads, some only receiving these hygiene items from their local schools and the Department of Health.
“This meant the majority of the young women would not be able to receive sanitary pads during the course of the lockdown, which was alarming to me.”
Baney explained how she and Dladla set out to provide for those who could not provide for themselves. They are also working with organisations and nonprofit organisations to extend the initiative into the long-term.
“I believe no young woman should be facing these issues by themselves. We, as residents of Newcastle, feel it is important to recognise the need for sanitary pads and other hygienic items. We are providing aid to the best of our abilities, by reaching out to various organisations who are willing to donate to the cause.”
Through their combined efforts, small ‘care packages’ are being created, which include sanitary pads, roll-on and other hygiene items young women will need. These items should help the women make it through the lockdown.
“Inside the packages, we plan to write an encouraging message to each woman to let them know everything will be okay, they are loved and are also seen. We are looking at raising around R1 637 for 30 care packages, for the girls who have already been identified.”
A drop-off site for donations has been established at a local creche facility at 1 Bethal Street, Fairleigh. Residents are urged to contact Dladla (maxinedladla@gmail.com) or Baney (nishindy@gmail.com) to find out how they can get involved.
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