SPAR virtual walk supporting GBV
According to recent Police records, more than 100 women are raped everyday in South Africa.
On Saturday, 26 September 2020, 32 ladies from Pietermaritzburg, lead by Theresa Pienaar, co-founder of Porky’s People, participated in the first-ever SPAR virtual walk, standing in solidarity against gender-based violence in South Africa.
The Porky’s leg of the journey, a 5-10km walk from Cascades shopping center to Parklane Spar, was inspired by and in support of rape activist, Leilani Kuter, founder of #YellowForSurvivors, an organisation that aims to shine a spotlight on survival and break the stigma rape carries.
Since sharing her personal story of the traumatic sexual assault that nearly ended her life, 28 years ago, Leilani completed a 729km walk in 2019, and more recently tightened her laces with her 448km nostalgic walk in an effort to raise funds on BackaBuddy to support rape crisis centers.
Chosen as one of the ambassadors for the SPAR #BeSunshine virtual walk, Leilani also participated in the event in Johannesburg and generously sponsored 10 of the Porky’s ladies to participate in the walk.
“I would like to thank SPAR and Leilani, for putting their name behind such an important cause. Most importantly, I would like to thank the ladies who joined us on our walk, shared their stories, supported loved ones who have experienced sexual misconduct and prayed for change in our country. Together we made a statement that cannot be ignored” says Theresa
Porky’s People would like to encourage the public to make a contribution towards Leilani’s initiative.
“We are so fortunate to be a footnote in Leilani’s story and continue to be inspired by her courage and strength. We will always do our best to help amplify her message, so that more women can come forward and share their stories. Please donate to Leilani’s campaign if you can, If you can’t, paint the town Yellow!” says Theresa
To support Leilani’s campaign, make a donation on BackaBuddy here:
https://www. backabuddy. co.za/shine-thespotlight-on-survival
Alternatively, make a donation via Snapscan
*Donors will be eligible for Section 18 tax certificates, issued by Leilani’s non-profit company, YellowForSurvivors.