Hetty and Aimee Johnson, Ashleigh and Karen Krige, and Lee Hollington have handed out more than 1 061 handbags to women living in shelters and places of safety in and around the Johannesburg area since June last year.
“We visit women’s shelters once or twice a month and give each lady in residence an almost-new handbag filled with toiletries, a bible and a pretty scarf,” said Hetty.
“While we were at an inner city shelter the police brought in a lady who had just been raped. We were able to give her a handbag, cry with her and give her a hug before the doctor saw her.”
Johnson said they have met a woman who told them how her husband repeatedly beat her with a spade; while another woman told them how her in-laws beat her and her 10-year-old daughter.
“Most women run for their lives, and thanks to the dedication of the people running these shelters, they have a safe haven to go to,” added Johnson.
She said the shelters fed and clothed the women and their children, assisted them with police reports, and helped them learn a new skill so they can become self-sufficient.
People interested in being a part of the initiative or making a contribution, are encouraged to join the group on Facebook called Bags of Hope and Dignity for more information.
Details: www.facebook.com/BagsOfHopeAndDignity
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