Women don hats for a good cause

Pam Golding Properties invited the city’s women to The Farmyard last Wednesday for a Hats and Handbags evening.

Guests were welcomed with a glass of sherry and a small gift upon arrival.

The evening was held to show support for rape victims. Guests were asked to wear funny hats and to bring an extra bag which contained items that the women thought rape victims might need.

The bags would be donated to a rape crisis centre in Pretoria, because Polokwane does not have one.

There was a prize-giving, where guests were awarded for youngest woman, oldest woman, woman with the most interesting hat, woman with the most “bling” (rings and bangles) and the woman who had the most buttons on her outfit.

Linda de Witt, principal of Pam Golding Properties spoke about the effects and statistics of rape in Limpopo and South Africa.

She said one of the biggest concerns they had as women was that there was no rape crisis centre in Polokwane, making it difficult for rape victims to receive professional assistance.

“We live in an area where rape is in the news daily. We don’t even read about it anymore and simply look at another part of the paper. It is time that women in Polokwane stop looking away and realise the effects of this brutal crime,” said Linda.

She said women underestimated the importance and influence they had on their sons.

According to Linda, the evening was a success and could only grow stronger every year.

“The feedback from the women who attended the evening was extremely positive. No-one could believe that they could be part of an event where they did not have to pay to make a difference. The support we received is heart warming and appreciated. We also thank all the sponsors for their open hearts and generous contributions.”