Community Service Contribution

Dear Friends and Family

We acknowledge and appreciate how abundantly blessed we are, and one of our shared interests is how passionate we both are about making a difference in the lives of others less fortunate.  Read more about two issues in this country that are close to our hearts and how you can help us to make a meaningful difference, by bringing along some very basic and affordable items to our wedding.

First Issue – Period Poverty:

According to Period Poverty statistics published earlier this year, 83% of girl learners in South Africa (SA) struggle to access menstrual hygiene products. Of the overall 22 million South African women and young girls who menstruate, 7.7 million (35%) don’t have the financial means to purchase sanitary products. One in four girl learners (who menstruate) misses school monthly because of a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products and support during their menstrual periods, which can also lead to feelings of shame and inadequacy, not to mention educational set-backs. Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products due to financial constraints. It can also be associated with a lack of access to education or facilities that allow for hygienic management of periods.

Second Issue – Animal welfare:

According to the global State of Pet Homelessness Index (published earlier this year), South Africa has around 4.1 million stray pets roaming its streets – 27% of cats and dogs are homeless and without healthcare. At least 500 000 domestic animals are put down annually in South Africa at a cost of about R37,5-million. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has protected and cared for all animals for approximately 150 years in South Africa. Established in 1872, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA in Cape Town is the founding society of the SPCA movement in South Africa and is the oldest animal welfare organisation in the country. Donations from the public go a long way to  fight animal cruelty and support neglected, abused and abandoned animals, giving these furry friends a chance in life that they deserve.

Our humble request to our special guests attending our wedding:

Help us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of victims of Period Poverty and the Animal Welfare of fluffy friends and fur-babies in South Africa, by donating sanitary/ feminine hygiene products and pet food. Upon arriving at our wedding venue, you will notice a station for your Community Service Contribution (CSC). Please drop off your CSC items in the respective boxes before making your way over to meet and mingle with other guests at our outdoor Welcome Lounge.

Thank you in advance for your contribution,

Love and light….

Natasha and Cedric