Smartshopper cardholders were asked to bring hope and healing to rape victims by donating their points to Tears Foundation.
Wendywood High School and Henley Business School’s Voice volunteers, encouraged Pick n Pay customers to donate their points that they have accumulated on their Smartshopper cards, on 3 October.
This awareness and donation drive was conducted at Pick n Pay on the corner of Republic Road and William Nicol Drive.
Non-profit organisation (NPO) founder Mara Gleenie explained that their organisation focuses on helping sexual abuse victims to talk about their ordeal.
She said their main focus was to link victims with the right entities that could help them deal with post-traumatic stress disorder.
“It is very difficult for a rape victim to open up about their ordeal – especially, to family members and people close to them,” Gleenie said.
She further explained that when most victims called her office, they always acknowledged that they were not coping and did not know what to do or who to talk to.
Kalliste Kuhn, also a volunteer of Tears, said they started a LifeBoard – an interactive board game that is used by schools and other organisations.
“We are always in the funding crisis and this is our project to bring more funds and create awareness about our organisation,” said Kuhn.
One of the volunteers from the Henley Business School’s Voice, Tony Mabasa, said the organisation gives victims a platform to get help and healing.
“It is not easy for victims to talk to people close to them as they fear being judged and embarrassed,” he said.
Wendywood High School pupil Abubakar Rawat said most parents were not comfortable to talk about rape and sexual issues with their children.
“This organisation educates people about sexual abuse and rape and it is important for people to donate their points,” he said.
Details: Tears Foundation 010 590 5920, info@tears.co.za.
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