Members of Kimberley Christian Revival Church during the handover of the sanitary towels. Picture: Supplied
MORE than 8,000 sanitary packs were handed over to six education institutions in Kimberley by members of the Christian Revival Church (CRC) in the city as part of the church’s women's upliftment programme.
According to Pastor Sanri Coetzee, the sanitary drive is to encourage community members to actively identify ways that they can make a change in society.
“We found that this drive had a huge impact on the learners. One little thing can make a huge difference in the life of a person. We heard of many girls who are not able to afford sanitary towels and resort to using other materials, which can be detrimental to their health and their reproductive system. A small donation like this can be a lifeline to someone.
“Our main aim is to spread the gospel and one of the ways we can spread the message is to be servants and helpers to those in need, just like Christ,” said Coetzee.
Coetzee added that the renovation of the victim’s room at a local police station is another way the church wants to address the plight of women.
“One of the projects we are currently embarking on is the renovation of the victim’s room at the Roodepan police station. We decided to make the room more friendly and comfortable to survivors who had been sexually or physically violated.
“Most survivors go through horrific situations and might lose the courage to open a criminal case when they are in a cold and harsh room. We want the rooms to be inviting and peaceful. The room will also be stocked with basics such as toiletries for survivors who may be in need during that time,” she said.
She urged community members not to turn a blind eye to the difficulties their neighbours might be encountering.
“The sanitary towel drive was started as part of our Beauty for Ashes women’s conference that took place recently. The church plays a pivotal role in eliminating and addressing some problems communities may face.
“We have to remember that we are our brother and sister's keepers and that small gestures can have a positive ripple effect in the life of someone who is less privileged than you,” Coetzee concluded.