At the end of last month, women rebuilding their lives after abuse were celebrated with exactly what healing should look like: good food, loud laughter, music that kept the energy up, and inspiring stories from the community that said: you are not alone.
The United Sanctuary Against Abuse (USAA) women’s shelter hosted an event to celebrate, acknowledge, and show appreciation to everyone who continuously plays a role in helping keep the shelter standing. The event was also a fundraiser for the shelter that urgently needs R40 000 to put a roof over its backyard.
Eva Georgia, Manager at USAA, says that when you live in a shelter for three months, you settle into an unknown environment, and you feel like your world becomes very small; when the weather is cold and rainy, the women feel stuck inside four walls, and space becomes limited, and so does your spirit. “This roof changes that. It will create a safe, undercover area where the women can socialise, do activities, have support sessions, and simply be outside without being exposed,” Georgia added.
The most beautiful part is that the shelter did not spend a cent on the event. It was all community, the village that made it happen. The mood was set by the incredible Nikita Scott, who kept the energy high, and Atlantis’ own ATKV winner Daphne Simon, who had everyone leaning in while delivering a powerful poetry piece. Extreme Youth also brought entertainment and kept us on our feet. The organisation thanked all the sponsors and friends who proved again that Atlantis takes care of its own: Atlantis Foods, Orion, Rotary Atlantis, Central Butcher, Atlantis Pharmacy, Atlantis Bookshop, Mr Bargain, Baraka Wholesalers, Born to Shine for sound and entertainment, AME Church for the hall, Apostle Denise Heniker, Rachel Watson who made the hall look absolutely stunning, and the New Apostolic Church Congregation for their special care packages. Georgia continued: “To every person who bought a ticket, donated a plate, shared a story, clapped a little louder, we say thank you. We get a lot of community support, but this event just showed us again how much people care.” While the shelter is celebrating the successful event, it also welcomed twin baby boys from one of the ladies they are accommodating. They continue to need support, not just with the R40 000 roof project, but with everyday essentials. Those who still want to donate to the roof, volunteer a service, or get the list of what the shelter needs, may contact the shelter directly.
