Callabee Automotive’s Luvash Callakoppen is asking local businesses and community members to donate second-hand handbags or care packages to their drive to help women and children who have suffered abuse and trauma.
The goal of the drive is to collect 100 pre-loved filled handbags or any other bag for the Cradle of Hope shelter by Wednesday, August 31.
Callabee Automotive hosts donation drives throughout the year, and this month they chose Cradle of Hope as their beneficiary.
“We at Callabee Automotive stand with the victims of abuse and gender-based violence,” explained Callakoppen. She added that she is an opinionated person – very strong in her beliefs, and said, “I made a promise to myself that once I’m out of the Covid situation, this is one of the things I will do.
“I’m going to give back to the women and children of South Africa, because we need support.”
Callakoppen initiated the Battered but not Beaten campaign. “It’s primarily for women who have been physically, mentally, emotionally, or financially abused. It’s merely to let them know that while they may be battered, they are most certainly not defeated and that there are a number of ways to get through it.
“I can already see a change being made if we, as small businesses, come together in this way and create a plan to support abused South African women, children, and men.”
They chose to support Cradle of Hope, and the pre-loved bag can be filled with whatever the giver wants.
“So I figured why not start with the basics? And for the kids, simply include a sweet or chocolate,” she continued.
Everyone is encouraged to drop off donations at the Callabee Automotive office or contact Luvash Callakoppen on 076 885 3269 to support the donation drive in support of the women and children in need.