A community sewing day in support of the period poverty charity Pachamama Project will take place at Dilton Marsh next month.
Organised by Holy Trinity Eco Church, the day will be held on Saturday 7th March in Dilton Marsh Memorial Hall from 10am to 4pm and volunteers are welcome.
The Pachamama Project is a not-for-profit network founded in 2020 which brings together volunteers across the UK to make reusable sanitary pads for refugees and vulnerable women and girls.
“Dilton Marsh has been holding regular Sewing Days for the project since October 2021,” said Lynne Vercoe, one of the organisers. “During that time, local volunteers have made and sent more than 4,000 pads. Across the charity as a whole, more than 240,000 reusable pads have now been distributed, supporting over 22,500 women and girls out of period poverty.”
Pads made at last spring’s Sewing Day were sent to Uganda to teacher Arimumikonoye Dick, who is working to reduce schoolgirl drop-outs in his region by improving access to menstrual products. After previously buying pads for pupils himself and seeing improved attendance, he contacted Pachamama for support.
He rented a van and drove eight hours to Kampala to collect the shipment before travelling school to school to deliver menstrual health education alongside the pads, including to schools not accessible by car. In total, 12,000 pads were delivered to 1,500 students across 12 schools, two orphanages and a girls’ sports academy. Organisers say the work helps to reduce stigma around menstruation and enables girls to remain in education.
“The need for pads continues as the work of the charity continues to expand,” added Lynne. “They are now supporting groups in Lebanon, Pakistan, Uganda, USA, Greece, Syria, Ukraine, Italy and the UK.
“If you would like to get involved in the project you would be made very welcome. Please come along to the Sewing Day; if staying all day please bring your lunch; tea and coffee will be available.
“It will be very helpful if you are able to bring any of the following items – sewing machine, scissors – plain and/or pinking shears.
“If you cannot bring anything don’t let that stop you from coming; there is plenty to do – cutting out, pinning, ironing etc; there is bound to be something you can help with and you can always enjoy a chat and cup of tea. Stay as long as you wish.
“We also have volunteers who make them at home between sewing days. We also welcome donations of fabric and materials.”
“Thanks must go to the Dilton Memorial Hall, who so kindly provide the venue free of charge. Without their support we would have great difficulty in continuing our support of this essential project.”
For more details, contact Lynne Vercoe at vercoelynne@gmail.com
Pictured: last year’s community Sewing Day
