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Info

Send A Scarf
In this booklet
Page 2
Why you should send a scarf and the idea behind it all.

Clothing women in Zimbabwe / Information #Booklet / December 2011 www.sendascarf.co.za

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Why we identify with women as the solution.

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How you can participate.

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The purpose of this initiative and its ultimate goals.

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Our progress since the inception of this initiative in November.

Why Send A Scarf

A brief Introduction
The Send A Scarf initiatve was thought up as a community project to better the lives of our Sisters in Zimbabwe. After a visit to parts of rural Zimbabwe, it became clear that of the numerous challenges in the area, one which could be solved both immediately and effectively was through clothing. In particular, the fact that so many women currently have to struggle with tattered cloaks & scarves, while we are so fortunate to have more than enough. The idea, was to collect cloaks & scarves in as good condition as possible and then take them to women who would make best use of them. Not only would we be providing a basic essential, such as clothing. But by showing each and everyone of them that someone cares, we are actually sharing our hope and love with others.

Where this all comes from

Right now, there are women in the world who have to suffer the indignity of not having clothing fit to wear. The lack of such a simple item, can effect their self confidence, esteem & stature in society. Through both a practical & achievable action, we hope to provide comfort to our Sisters by sharing what we may have in abundance. In Zimbabwe, like most other places, there are extremes. After a visit to rural Zimbabwe earlier this year, it became clear that the living conditions are very difficult. One of the striking images, was that of the tattered clothing women had to wear simply because of the lack of an alternative. Their scarves were in no condition to be worn. It seemed unthinkable that this was the case, considering how often we had unwanted cloaks & scarves that we didnt know what to do with. Of the numerous problems faced, this was one which we could make an immediate positive difference to. Our goal is to provide clothing in good condition to 1000 of our Zimbabwean Sisters. As a community project, the aim is clearly defined. The idea is to make this an inclusive project. That welcomes all ideas, thoughts or otherwise which will benefit those most in need of our assistance. Everyone is a contributor, a member & a

For further information please contact us through whatever best suits you.

Contacts Fathima@sendascarf.co.za 0724973292 Yasmin@sendascarf.co.za 0837797444 www.sendascarf.co.za facebook.com/sendascarf

leader.

Send A Scarf / Info / December 2011

The strength of a woman can carry the weight of the world.

~ Sarah Pezdek-Smith

Strength of Women
Send A Scarf / Info / December 2011

he heart of a community is its women. Through them, we can empower and uplift people. But this can be difficult if everything is stacked against them. Wherever you find poverty and dispair, chances are you will find women who are low in confidence, self esteem and hope. Through no fault of their own, life has tended to be more difficult. At times it can feel like they are isloated, alone and forgotten. Yet, we know this is not the case. If we could, we would all do everything to change their lives for the better. But where do we start and how do we help each and everyone? The answer we believe is by showing we care. Sending a cloak or scarf, is a simple act to show that you are thinking about them. That you believe they have the potential to better their own lives, the lives of their family and their entire community. By sharing something so personal, you instill a sense of self esteem and belief in each individual. This connection you build with these women, is the hope that you pass on to them. Working with them, we can make better, small and simple things that add up to best change the situation they find themselves in.

Women work two-thirds of the worlds working hours, produce half of the worlds food, yet earn only 10 percent of the worlds income and own less than 1 percent of the worlds property. Women play a crucial role in local economies and the health and well-being of their families. Women who are educated are more likely to have fewer and healthier children. In fact, mothers with some education immunize their children 50 percent more often than mothers who are not educated, while HIV/AIDS spreads twice as quickly among uneducated girls than among girls that have even some schooling. Poor maternal health reduces womens capacity to work and limits their ability to generate income and overcome poverty, often in communities where their contribution to household income and childcare is crucial. Poor women are often extremely vulnerable to injury or death from violence. At least one in three of the worlds women has been physically or sexually abused at some time in her life. Many, including pregnant women and young girls, are subject to severe, sustained or repeated attacks. In armed conflicts since 1945, 90 percent of casualties have

been civilians and three in four war fatalities are women or children. The Send A Scarf woman, represents all women. With an inner strength to be the focal point to all around her. Each woman you help, has the potential to uplift both herself, her family & community. But nothing happens over night. We believe that first, we need to inspire, support & instill confidence in her. With this & the knowledge that others care for her, we are building a platform to change lives for the better.

We can do no great things, only small things with great love.

~ Mother Teresa

Send A Scarf / Info / December 2011

Join us

A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.
~ Diane Mariechild
It is as easy as spreading the word. Tell a friend, a family member or a complete stranger. If you have spare cloaks or scarves, we would surely appreciate if you could send them. Why not include a photo of yourself or your family to be included. That way, the woman fortunate enough to receive your donation will know who it is that cared enough to send a scarf. Find us on Facebook (facebook.com/sendascarf) & share your ideas on how to improve the initiative. The more ideas the better. Any and all contributions are very welcome. If you would like to act as a drop off point for your area, we would love to broaden our reach for people to easily find a place to participate. Fill in the form on our website (www.sendascarf.co.za/dropoff/organise/)

How to get involved

Send A Scarf / Info / December 2011

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Our purpose.
It is very simple, in 2012, we hope to have collected enough to travel to ZImbabwe with anyone who wants to be apart of the journey and distribute the cloaks & scarves to our Sisters. After collecting the clothing, we will clean, press and pack each garment. If there are letters, photos or whatever sent as well even better. The items will be presented to our Sisters and documented for everyone to see via our website. For each garment you send, you are creating a bond with the woman who will receive it. We hope to maintain that through the use of technology. Better placing us in a position to assist in the best ways we can. So what exactly is Send A Scarf...well, its a simple idea. Send a cloak or scarf to someone who needs it. In this way, you not only are sending the item of clothing, but also the hope and promise that there are people who care. The initiative was created and is run by ordinary people like you and I. Each volunteers their time & energy to donate and collect cloaks and scarves that will end up making a difference in someone elses life.

Its very simple: Cloaks+Scarves+People who care = Something way bigger than any of us Ultimately, the problem that needs solving is Poverty. The best way we believe we can tackle this is by small gestures that add up. Assisting our Sister in need is the most effective way of changing the lives of all those around her.

Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.
~ Helen Keller
Send A Scarf exists to help everyone. And everyone includes men. Indeed, better lives for women mean better lives for everyone in their communities, including their brothers, fathers, husbands and sons. When you improve a womens life these changes have a positive ripple effect. A women is the most influential force in her community to break the cycle of poverty. The secret behind Send A Scarf is that its not one large campaign. It aims to be a collaboration of hundreds of small campaigns, started by champions of women. But we have to start from somewhere. Where better than from your own cupboard. All you have to do is Send A Scarf.

Send A Scarf / Info / December 2011

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On Thursday 8 December 2011, the first collection was sent to Zimbabwe. It is always a great feeling to actually send these off knowing that theyre destined for someone who will truly treasure them. The collection was from the generous communities in KZN. From the response weve got thus far, were sure the other communities will share as much as they can. Over the coming weeks, as the collections pile up, we will be piling, sorting and packaging all the cloaks & scarves. Our hope is to reach the target of 1000 as soon as possible. The best way to do this, is to make any drop-off point easy and convenient. Which exactly what is being done thanks to the generosity of those participating. To date, we have 18 official drop-off points across South Africa. The locations cover the Eastern Cape, Kwazulu Natal, Guateng & Limpopo. The response has been exceptional. With volunteers springing up all over the place. Join us on facebook and twitter where you can get the latest progress on the initiative. As well as be able to provide us with your insight and input. Something we value very highly. Without each member of Send A Scarf voicing their opinion and views, we would not have a movement that can better the lives of those we all care about.

Our progress
Send A Scarf / Info / December 2011

facebook.com/sendascarf twitter.com/sendacloak

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Current Drop Off Locations

Eastern Cape
Port Elizabeth
Ahmeds Roadhouse, Al-Ansaar Building, Bell Road, Parkside

Maraisburg
Sixth street, Randburg

Stanger
Flamboyant Drive, Dawnside

Mayfair
Franklin Road, Homestead Park, Mayfair

Tongaat
Plane Street

Randburg
13th Street, Linden JMos Fordsburg, 48 Mint Road

Umzinto
Umzinto Islamic School or Molsons Shop, Main Road

Gauteng
Benoni
Hewitt Street, Stewards Classis Caterers, Dubai Centre, Cnr Dewalt Hattingh and Wagtail streets, Mackenzie Park

Sandton
Louise Way, Kelvin Sasol Marlboro, Marlboro Drive

Limpopo
Polokwane
Dubai street, Nirvana

Kwazulu-Natal
Durban
Cracko Kidz, 385 Brickfield Road, Overport Trendy Kidz, 224 Brickfield Road, Overport Changing Faces, Lavery Cresent, Sydenham

Centurion
Sastri Avenue, Claudius Exquisite Linen, Shop No.1 Palm Shopping Centre, Willem Erasmus Street, Erasmia Lenasia D.B. Cash & Carry, 45 Gemsbok Street, Lenasia 1821

Port Shepstone
Favourite Bazaar, 44 Wooley St

Send A Scarf / Info / December 2011

Send A Scarf Information #Booklet / December 2011 www.sendascarf.co.za

Send A Scarf / Info / December 2011