JAYNE WITH A WHY


My life has endured some drastic changes over the past 5yrs. I've moved continents, moved countries, lost my partner in life, lost my dogs, lost the bikes & no doubt about it, lost more than a few marbles along the way. I'm fucked up but valiantly fighting off sanity, which snaps at my heels at regular intervals. I swear a lot. Tell someone who cares.

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

FEELIN' GOOD


This photo was taken just a coupla days ago. We were on our way, with several other bikers, to the 'Brille en Pille'* fundraising event, held in Makopane**.
The weather was great. The roads were pretty empty (with the exception of Makopane town centre, gawd almighty!) & the scenery along the way is always much appreciated. We had a great day out & got back knackered, but feelin' good.
The following day, Hubs & myself, along with a bunch of riders from a local bike club, gathered at a local supermarket. Armed with collection tins for the local SPCA, we cajoled shoppers to part with any spare change they had. Quips of "R50 for dogs, 20 cents for cats!" & "We have YOUR photo"*** raised plenty of laughs. I'm not sure how much was raised, but I have a feeling it was a pretty decent amount, along with the many bags of dog & cat food.
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Today, I finally got around to doing something I've been meaning to do for weeks. I've just finished writing (by hand nogal!) some (hopefully) inspirational quotes on pretty cards & note paper. The envelopes have no names on them, as I don't know the intended recipients, but hopefully, the words I've written will inspire strength, courage & hope for a better future.
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Some months ago, I was contacted by the Durban HOG Chapter, who asked all LOH (Ladies of Harley) to help in the Jes Foord Foundation Handbag Project. I'm not sure if Jes's case made international headlines or not - as this is a South African incident - but in a nutshell, Jes was out with her dad, walking their dogs at a dam. Four scumbags attacked them, tied her dad to a tree & then forced him to watch the gang-rape of his daughter. This disgusting, hateful & vicious attack would've destroyed many a young woman, but Jes has risen above it & refuses to be just another rape statistic - in her words - she is a survivor.
As a result of her ordeal, Jes set up her own foundation & this is the basic request for help:
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Jes is asking for good condition handbags i.e. ones you no longer use or ones you may have received as a gift but will never use. Not only ladies handbags but children’s and men’s backpacks as it is not only women that are raped.
One of the things a rape survivor does not get told is that they have to leave their panties and whatever else they are wearing e.g. shorts, jeans, skirt etc with the District Surgeon.
Jes is collecting the bags and in each bag she will have put the following: (obviously it would be greatly appreciated if you could hand in a bag with a few items but, even an empty handbag is of great help and Jes will fill it)
Panties
Liquid soap (wash away the negativity)
Body cream
Sanitary pads
Face cloth
Lipstick
Chocolate
And a little gift e.g. when Mr Price has their sales, buy some earrings, a bracelet or whatever you feel would be a ‘light’ at this awful time. Anything to make them feel special!

For children:
Nappies
Small teddy bear

BUT, THE MOST IMPORTANT FEATURE IN THIS HANDBAG IS: - Please would each of you write a note to the survivor. Jes said it can be a few words or an essay but something from your heart to theirs. For example, even if you write something like “No matter what has happened you are special, and please don’t let anyone take that away from you. You can, and will, get through this. There are so many people who really care and will help you gain your strength. This gift is given to you with love from Louise”. When you are at your lowest, just receiving the bag with all the goodies, a simple gift that can give you hope, and hope is a fundamental step in recovery.

Just so you are aware, Jes monitors the bags she hands to the police stations very carefully (i.e. they will be sealed in a plastic bag and numbered) and a register will be kept. Approximately 10 bags will be given to each police station with the request that when they are down to their last two, to let Jes know so more will be supplied.
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I spoke to a couple of friends here in Schleppalale & they donated stuff to add to mine. So, in closing, today I've filled a box with a soft cuddly teddy, a dolly with sweets & accessories, sanitary pads, ladies panties, face cloths, kiddies panties, T-shirt & shorts, lipgloss & lipstick, chocolate, soap, liquid soap, deoderants, body spray, body lotion, shampoo, 6 pairs of earrings, a handbag, plus a rucksack, mens deoderant & disposable razors.
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My box is ready to post & I gotta tell ya, I feel good!
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* Brille en Pille - basic translation is glasses & pills
** Makopane - formerly known as Potgietersrus
*** Aimed at the sour faced, miserable gits, dressed in their 'look at me' Sunday best, having come straight from church.

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Posted by Jayne :: 12:49 :: 9 Had Somminc To Say

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