Volunteers from an Athlone-based literacy project, Reading and Writing Solutions (RWS), pooled their resources, and donated goods worth an estimated R100 000 to the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children, on Thursday February 16.
Melissa Ross, from RWS, said the organisation’s founder, Jeff Paulse, had met with the centre’s staff, and was touched by the work they did.
His visit led to a partnership with the centre.
“Mr Paulse asked them what their needs are, and when they gave him the list, he passed it on to all of us, and asked us to help with donations,” Ms Ross said.
The donations, included toiletries, clothes, food, a flat-screen TV, spring-foam mattresses, bags, stationery, baking accessories, toys, baby blankets, books, shoes, cups and curtains.
At the handover, Dorothea Gertse, the residence manager, said the Saartjie Baartman Centre was always in need of donations.
“We try to provide for all the needs of the families who are here. We give them care packs, which include basics like toiletries, porridge, and clothes. It warms my heart to see how much you care. People often think that because the centre is often featured in a newspaper that we have more than enough, but that is not the case. We always need help. The majority of the women coming here are unemployed.
“The aim of the Saartjie Baartman Centre is to empower the women. We are transparent, and we do tours of the facility, so that we can show you where your donations are going to. You play a major role, and I would like to thank you for for your donations. It will help the 100 women and children here,” Ms Gertse said.
