THAPELO Leballo wants to be an example in her community by promoting the spirit of giving this festive season.
She is collecting sanitary pads from community members and businesses to distribute to disadvantaged girls.
Thapelo told Daily Sun that the initiative was inspired by how she used to lack sanitary towels while growing up and she saw it fit to fulfil her wish during this season.
The 31-year-old woman from Ga-Rankuwa, Tshwane, said putting a smile on someone's face is something that makes her happy.
"Sanitary towels are a necessity in every girl's life and as someone who experienced some challenges of not having access to sanitary pads while in my 20s, I know how it feels to not have any during your monthly periods. I used to depend on my grandmother's pension to afford sanitary towels, but sometimes I would be forced to use some cloths if money was not available," she said.
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Thapelo said many children miss out on school due to not having sanitary towels and this is the reason she has chosen to work with a local filling station, which she identified as a drop off point for residents to donate any packets of sanitary towels.
"I have approached Shell Okgonne filling station and they have come on board to support this drive. We have placed a box as a drop off point for anyone who wants to donate. This is going to be a continuous thing and we want to carry it even beyond Christmas," said Thapelo.
Abdullah Ebrahim, who manages the filling station, said as a business they feel it's important to give back to community projects.
"Our aim is to make a difference in the community that we operate from. We want to ensure no girl misses out on school as a result of not having sanitary towels. We have previously been involved in other initiatives such as Mandela Day and we will continue to support local initiatives and help in any way we can," he said.
One of the donors, Mapula Ditodi said she donated several packets to ensure this initiative becomes a success.
