Tokai Lions donate Dignity Bags to support GBV survivors in Muizenberg
Tokai Lions donated Dignity Bags to Muizenberg police station and its Victim Empowerment Programme as part of the 16 Days of Activism. Pictured from left are: Colleen De Villiers, Jill Rumbelow, Mark Rossouw, Lt. Colonel Rachelle Petersen, Constable Nosiphiwo Ntisa, Tracy Grobbelar, Wendy Jonas, Captain Conrad Claasen and Louise Phillips.
Image: Supplied
The Lions Club of Tokai has marked the third day of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children by handing over Dignity Bags to Muizenberg police station and its Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP).
“The initiative brings the club great pleasure and deep satisfaction,” said Mark Rossouw of the Tokai Lions.
He said it had strengthened their collaboration with Muizenberg police and given members another opportunity to take a stand against gender-based violence, femicide, and domestic violence.
“These unnecessary social evils continue to plague the communities served by the Muizenberg Police Station and remain rife within its catchment area, which is an issue further exacerbated by substance abuse,” he said.
16 Days of Activism logo
Image: Supplied
The Dignity Bags – all donated pre-loved handbags filled with essential items – will be distributed by police and VEP volunteers to women who have fallen victim to abuse.
Mr Rossouw said the bags were “a welcome addition to the arsenal” used by officers and volunteers in their response to Gender-Based Violence, adding: “These bags will not only help restore the dignity of the victims, but they will also symbolise hope.”
He said all the contents had been donated to the club, and the project aimed to “make a meaningful difference in the lives of these survivors.”
Mr Rossouw also extended the club’s thanks to Lieutenant Colonel Petersen, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander, and VEP volunteer Wendy Jonas for helping to make the handover possible, as well as Lions members Colleen De Villiers and Jill Rumbelow for their work on the day.