Bags of Hope restores hope to vulnerable women
SANDTON - Aimed at assisting women in shelters with basic necessities, Bags of Hope is an initiative that has gone a long way to bring comfort to vulnerable women.
The initiative collects secondhand bags, fills them with essential goods for the women before distributing them at various shelters.
The initiative was started by Hetty Johnson, a resident of Gallo Manor, and she explained how the initiative came to life.
“I launched Bags of Hope Johannesburg after getting the idea from friends in George who had started this charity [initiative] there,” she said.
Johnson added that the bags, which include basic hygiene goods, are distributed to shelters in and around Johannesburg every Saturday, saying that they attempt to reach as many shelters as possible. Additionally, Johnson said that they spend some time with the women, adding more value to the gifts provided.
“It’s such a blessing for us to spend time with these women and to share our gift with them; our gift of love to them,” she said fondly.
Since the initiative was launched in June 2014, 279 handbags have been distributed to over 12 shelters, including Mercy Haven, Usindiso and Bethsada. The Zanele Mbeki Centre is the next recipient of the ‘goodie’ bags.
If people are interested in assisting the initiative by donating bags, they can drop them off at Peter Wabbit Nursery School, located on 52 Satara Ave, Gallo Manor from 9am-4pm. Alternatively, Johnson can be contacted on 084 299 5607.
“The handbags given out are given as a gift of love to restore hope and dignity to these women,” Johnson concluded.
