Zululand Observer - Monday

Support hygiene dignity drive

- Conelia Harry

WALK in Faith charity is spearheadi­ng their Dignity Drive during Human

Rights Month to support communitie­s with hygiene essentials.

This is an ongoing project for the NPO, and aims to collect 300 toiletry hampers for men, women and teens.

Founder Merinda Ackerman said the campaign will assist low-income earners and the elderly.

"Owing to circumstan­ces beyond their control, people lose their jobs due to hygiene, some elderly citizens have extra needs, and we have found pupils stay at home to avoid humiliatio­n caused by body odour," said Ackerman.

"Beneficiar­ies are trying their best to make ends meet, but incomes barely cover accommodat­ion and there's no money for groceries, electricit­y or hygiene basics."

She said the donation of a bar of soap, toothpaste, lotion or deodorant makes a big difference.

''Businesses and community members can help us restore dignity by donating some of these items, as well as 115 razor packs and 150 sanitary pads."

The campaign runs alongside the NPO's daily school lunches project, catering to hundreds on a monthly basis.

''These children rely on the lunches daily and, for some, it is the only food they get for the day," she said.

"We are running our five-day challenge where 100 people can club together and collect R50, or 50 people can collect R100 to reach the R5 000 target, or 20 people can each club in R250."

She said it's only due to generous donations that the charity work can continue.

To pledge support, call or message

081 5382331, 083 4170133 or

083 3105367.

 ?? ?? Gerhard van Vuuren from Vrugte Uit Die Boord hands over a donation of fruit to Walk in Faith founder Merinda Ackerman
Gerhard van Vuuren from Vrugte Uit Die Boord hands over a donation of fruit to Walk in Faith founder Merinda Ackerman

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