Patty Ogle gives back to community through her foundation
Ogle Foundation is an NPO that focuses on sanitary towel distribution in schools while also addressing issues of poverty within the community.
Patty Ogle is the founder of the Ogle Foundation which aims to restore hope and bring about change within the communities it serves.
The Roodepoort Record spoke to her to find out how it started and what her driving forces are when it comes to the work that she does.
Her story started 18 years ago when she had witnessed a young man eating out of her dustbin and decided to feed him.
“When things become difficult for me, I started asking other people such as my neighbours and friends to help me feed these hungry people. Many asked me for my registration which I did not have at the time and that prompted me to formalise the organisation,” Patty cited.
She started the foundation by visiting schools in the greater Roodepoort area to address the need for sanitary towels. They started by visiting primary schools and in 2022, proceeded to visit high schools.
“The biggest challenge is that girls are not informed about periods, which can lead to pregnancy. We engage with parents and schools to explain periods, hygiene, and how to carry themselves,” Patty said.
While there is no doubt that sanitary towels are a pressing issue, Patty shared the story of one school, Fleurhof Primary School, which is a no-fee school, and said that girls are left behind due to the expense of sanitary towels. Patty uses this school as a benchmark for the Pads Campaign.
“Most schools in South Africa are aware of our foundation, and communication through schools is ongoing through social media and word of mouth,” Patty cited.
She encourages the community to volunteer or join the Pads Campaign, as they are not experts on the matter and said that the foundation currently visits schools quarterly but aims to visit schools at least once a month. She also encourages community involvement.
“The community has been a great support, with some members donating and advertising on social media,” Patty mentioned and said that they have many youths who are keen to learn about the organisation and empower them to create awareness around the stigma of feminine hygiene.
