A Stellenbosch-based cosmetics business is currently running an initiative that aims to assist women and children at a local safe house.
This was according to Nondumiso Makhanya, the owner of Roseau Beauty. Throughout the month of August, which is Women’s Month, Roseau Beauty is using 20% of all the money made on sales to assist the L’Abrie de Dieu safe house, said Makhanya.
L’Abrie de Dieu safe house is a shelter for victims of domestic violence and abuse, according to their website.
Throughout August, Nondumiso Makhanya, owner of Roseau Beauty, is using 20% of the money her business makes through sales to aid L’Abrie de Dieu safe house in Stellenbosch. PHOTO: Keanan Hemmonsbey
“I started an initiative in the month that is meant to celebrate women called the #RoseauLoveDrive, which aims to raise funds for a women’s [and children’s] shelter,” said Makhanya.
The initiative is raising funds to buy necessities for the safe house, according to Makhanya. These include nappies, socks, dishwashing liquid, washing powder, coffee, tea and cooking oil, she said.
“All we wanted to do is help in any capacity, for women who are seeking help and protection from the hands of sexual and domestic violence in and around the area,” said Makhanya.
The success of the drive thus far has been a “pleasant surprise”, as more people than anticipated have donated to the cause, and shared messages of encouragement, according to Makhanya.
“We all know the state of gender-based violence in this country. [I] think it’s really important to give back to people who are struggling, and I’m just happy to be given the opportunity to give back through the #RoseauLoveDrive,” said Carla Meyer, a donor for the initiative.
The purchased necessities will be delivered to the safe house on 9 September, according to Makhanya.
Carla Meyer speaks about the importance of the #RoseauLoveDrive, an initiative that aims to raise funds to buy necessities for the L’Abrie de Dieu safe house in Stellenbosch. Meyer is one of the donors to the initiative. AUDIO: Keanan Hemmonsbey
A shelter for women and children
L’Abrie de Dieu safe house is a non-profit organisation [NPO], and as such they receive limited funding from the government, according to Charlene Abels, office administrator and skills co-ordinator at L’Abrie de Dieu.
“We are very much dependent on donations to do the work we do. Most of the women run away with only their children and a handbag. We provide the women and children with all their needs while they live here,” said Abels.
The women and children who are housed at L’Abrie de Dieu safe house are provided with necessities by the non-profit organisation, according to Charlene Abels, office administrator and skills co-ordinator at L’Abrie de Dieu. PHOTO: Caitlin Maledo
In addition to the material contributions that L’Abrie de Dieu safe house provides for residents, they also run rehabilitation programmes for women, according to Abels. The NPO provides the women residents with the tools they need to succeed once they have left the safe house, she said.
“The therapeutic services we provide also include caring for the women who have moved back home in the community under difficult circumstances, but with skills and support they have received while doing our programme to build a life again,” said Abels.
There are women and children from Wellington, Paarl and the greater Stellenbosch area housed at L’Abrie de Dieu safe house, which is a non-profit organisation that assists victims of domestic violence and abuse. PHOTO: Keanan Hemmonsbey