The beginning

The background

The Saartjie Baartman Centre for abused women and children offers a new life to families that have been devastated by abuse. It is located in Manenberg, one of the Cape's poorest areas, and many of the women literally have no other option - they can go to the centre while they build a new life, or they can live on the street, or go back to their abusers. The Centre, like many other NGOs and charities, is battling to secure funds from the expected sources. Now they are near the end of their existing funds and facing closure. If they don't get R100k by the end of May, they may be forced to close - and 20 families, small children and all, will be on the street.  You can read more here.

The challenge

We want to raise R100k by the end of May. This means we need 200 people to pledge R500. That's 20 people per day.

(Obviously if you cannot afford R500, every bit helps!)

The collection

I'm running this drive independently of the Centre and have been taking in the donations to present in a lump sum at the end of May. This is purely for tracking purposes. However, some potential donors have said they feel more comfortable donating directly to the centre. This is completely understandable! You do not, after all, have any proof that I am not a mad fraudster. It does, however, make it difficult to see how our pledge is going, so if you are more comfortable with this option, *please* mail me at marelise@gmail.com to let me know that you donated, and how much. We'll be posting progress reports here every day, so keep checking in to see how it's going.

The banking details

If you want to donate via the 100k in 10 Days Challenge (that's us!), it's ABSA savings 9156133936. NB: PLEASE USE THE REFERENCE BAARTMAN and send proof of payment to marelise@gmail.com.

If you want to donate directly to the centre, use the following details (and don't forget to let me know your pledge at marelise@gmail.com so we can track donations and post updates!)

The Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children
First National Bank 201509
Current account 62028179415
SWIFT Code: FIRNZAJJ

The conclusion

You are awesome. Thank you.