The BAGS OF LOVE project just handed over 33 new handbags filled to the brim with useful items to the Black Mambas anti-poaching unit in Balule.
Toiletries, sanitary products, scarves, snacks, jewellery, caps, scent, notes of encouragement is just a few of the items in their Bags Of Love.
The filled bags were donated mostly by ladies from the Dainfern community. The jewellery and caps were donated by their regular sponsor, Bijoutique cc. Cosmetics were donated by Debi Tollman Make-up in Johannesburg.
These ladies from the Black Mambas spend long hours in the coldest and hottest weather. They patrole the Balule area, in dry dusty conditions. At the end of the day (or night) they want to feel pampered, feminine and appreciated too.
BAGS OF LOVE usually donates to destitute or traumatised women and children. But they felt – as a small token of appreciation, respect and acknowledgement for the incredible work the (world famous) all female anti-poaching unit, the Black Mambas does to protect our precious wildlife, particularly the rhino – that they would like to spoil them with a treat. The bags were enthusiastically received by four of the team as others were on patrol. They were distributed far and wide around the area. The others will receive their bags from the office within the coming week.
BAGS OF LOVE also donated a large bag of beautiful clothing for babies and toddlers as some of the Black Mambas are Mammas too!
The Black Mambas were formed in 2012. As well as anti-poaching, they run various other initiatives in education and conservation.
They have identified and destroyed over 10 poachers’ camps and three bush meat kitchens within the “buffer-zone”. They have reduced snaring and poisoning activities by 76% within our area of operation since their deployment in 2013. Thats just scratching the surface of what they have done!
What IS BAGS OF LOVE?
It is an NPO and an ongoing project that relies purely on donations and if you would like to contribute in any way, please contact Sue Harwood on harwoods@netactive.co.za All donations welcome!
“To date, we have handed out 200 BAGS OF LOVE to ladies from impoverished communities, to orphanages where young teens have been rescued from child trafficking, to individuals on the street. Our next focus is to provide BAGS OF LOVE to rape survivors at the Teddy Bear Clinic where, sadly, recipients from us young as two years old (sometimes even younger) will receive bags filled with new panties (an important item in the healing process of this horrific trauma they have endured), colouring books and crayons, toiletries such as soap, facecloth, toothpaste & brush, sweeties, juice and a savoury snack. These young girls spend hours at the clinic being examined and receiving counselling.” says Sue, founder of BAGS OF LOVE.
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