"It goes without saying that winter is a particular tough season for those in need, especially with the harsh temperatures that are sometimes experienced throughout the season," said Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa and director of the RE/MAX Foundation. "So often it is easy to take for granted the luxury of having a winter coat or a warm meal, and yet so many South Africans living below the breadline will not have those simple privileges. With this in mind, and in an effort to assist as many people in need as we could, RE/MAX offices around the country collected winter coats and jerseys, along with non-perishable food items up until June 28."
The collected items were donated to various charities around the country as each RE/MAX office nominated a charity for this collection within their community. The donations were handed over to the beneficiaries during July.
The RE/MAX Coastal office in Knysna chose the local branch of FAMSA as the beneficiary of its drive. FAMSA is involved in many community projects, and the one which will specifically be benefiting from The Coats and Cans project is the Women of Worth programme.
The Women of Worth (WOW) programme is a FAMSA initiative that was established to help women, who are victims of violence, to understand the dynamics of family violence and emotional abuse and has been running since 2004 in the Knysna area. Women are empowered to maintain healthy interpersonal relationship in the family and in the community. They are also equipped to become independent and stand up for their own rights.
This programme is of benefit to many women and not only to those who are suffering from abuse. The purpose of the project is to educate women, men, and children about the difference between healthy and abusive relationships. Groups of women are recruited and trained in the various communities, who then assist and educate other women.
It is recommended that they make use of counselling, other resources and are informed of legal assistance and social grants that are available.
These groups are encouraged and assisted to become involved in capacity building and income generation projects such as sewing groups, food gardens, soup kitchens, etc..
The spin-off of this project is that many women have grown within themselves, found permanent employment, started their own businesses, become community leaders and helped to keep themselves and their families safe and secure.
"We appreciate the wonderful support from RE/MAX Coastal and know there will be many people with a bit of extra warmth this winter," said Ruth Maseko, WOW co-ordinator, FAMSA Knysna.
For more information on the project contact Ruth Maseko at FAMSA Knysna on 044 382 5129.
Handing over the Coats and Cans at the RE/MAX Coastal Office are Chris van der Merwe (RE/MAX Coastal), Ruth Maseko (FAMSA, WOW co-ordinator) and Sue Abernethy (RE/MAX Coastal).
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