As the year draws to a close, members of Subz Pants and Pads – and its NPO extension, Project Dignity – celebrated the distribution of 4308 packs of eco-friendly, reusable sanitary wear that empowers South African schoolchildren who cannot afford these vital hygienic items. This year also saw the distribution of Subz packs across international borders, extending the reach of the organisation to help the rest of the continent.
“Every year we start out with the intention to secure sponsorship for as many donations of Subz Pants and Pads to disadvantaged communities, and every year we are overwhelmed by the level of care and generosity shown,” said Sue Barnes, founder of Subz Pants and Pads, and Project Dignity. “This year we managed to exceed all expectations, performing activations at schools across South Africa with donations to schools in Botswana, Mozambique and Namibia. It’s been fantastic working our way through the vast lists of schools requesting donations and work has already begun for 2020!”
Corporate and NPO-sponsored initiatives
There were a number of generous sponsorships this year with Project Dignity able to organise a several dedicated school drives. One such example was Dube TradePort’s Girl Child Support initiative, sponsored by Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone. Activations took place at Amaoti Number 3 High School in Inanda; as well as three Indwedwe-based schools, Mashiyamahle High School, Hloniphani High School and Qinisani High School, with 1 500 young women receiving sponsored packs.
An annual contributor to Project Dignity, Marion Spence from the Rotary Club USA, once again raised funds for the organisation with 265 packs donated to KwaDinabakubo School in Molweni and Thabela High School in KwaNyuswa this May.
Project Dignity worked with Dr Suren Lutchminarayan and his wife, Renuka, from the International Association for Human Values, on two activations – at Quarry Heights in Verulam and Mountain Rise Primary School in Pietermaritzburg – distributing 238 packs.
Mandela Day was also a great success with donations made to Bokmakierie Primary in the Western Cape, with sponsorship provided by Tractor Outdoor, Dimension Data and Oakhill Church. The Project Dignity ambassador in the Western Cape, Avantika Naidoo, pioneered the fundraising for this region’s event. In Gauteng, schoolgirls at Nkholi Primary School in Pimville Soweto received packs sponsored by Turner & Townsend. In KwaZulu-Natal, Amaphupho Yezingane Seed Fund selected residents from an informal settlement in Redhill, Durban North for their donation of Subz packs.
Subz fundraising drives
31Club hosted a Cake and Coffee fundraising morning at the Mount Edgecombe Golf Estate in November on behalf of Project Dignity. This first event of its kind saw 100 ladies attending, with funds donated towards packs of Subz Pants and Pads which were donated to Brookdale Secondary School.
Project Dignity has also announced the first-ever Project Dignity 5km Fun Run/Yoga Class which will take place at Shongweni Polo Club in early 2020. Participants are also invited to bring along their (well-behaved) pups and dogs on leads, with proceeds from the four-legged participants going towards KZN Valley Dogs. The date will be announced on Project Dignity’s website and social media platforms as soon as it’s confirmed. Watch this space!
Subz expands its line
Having successfully designed the country’s first reusable sanitary range, Barnes expanded the Subz brand this year with the inclusion of maternity and incontinence wear. The Subz sanitary pad range now also includes a self-clipping pad in standard and large sizes for women, as well as the ‘butternut’ size suitable for incontinence. These work for monthly menstruation needs as well as post-birth maternity requirements, keeping moms comfortable and secure. The reusable breast pads are also a popular choice for breastfeeding moms, easy to use and wash.
Since its inception in 2010, Project Dignity has donated more than 160 000 packs across Africa, with the list of schools and organisations requiring assistance constantly growing. Distributed through Project Dignity, the Subz Pants and Pads packs consist of a set of reusable sanitary pads and accompanying panties. These items can be washed and reused, making them both economically and environmentally advantageous.
To support Project Dignity or find out more, visit:
Website: www.projectdignity.org.za
Twitter: @dignityforwomen
Facebook: Project Dignity
