Volunteers at sewing day create 238 pads for women in Africa

A sewing day has helped create hundreds of sanitary products for women in Uganda.

For female pupils at Kabale School, in the southwest of the country, period poverty has a devastating impact on their lives and education. Some miss classes altogether due to not having pads.

Volunteers gathered at Dilton Marsh Memorial Hall on Saturday 15th March, in a bid to change that. Organised by the Holy Trinity Eco Church, the group spent the entire day sewing pads and bags to be sent to Uganda.

The event was aligned with the Pachamama Project, a British-based charity that seeks to alleviate period poverty.

Lynne Vercoe, team administrator at the White Horse Team Ministry, said, “Thirty ladies came, plus two children and one baby. By the end of the day, we had produced 238 pads and 86 bags.

“We received more donations of fabric and towels, and the cutting team did sterling work—our pre-cut fabric boxes are now full and overflowing. Two ladies who were unable to stay called in and collected supplies to make pads at home.

“The donation plate placed beside the refreshment table was generously filled, and I am pleased to say that the group will be able to give a generous sponsorship amount to the charity.

“All in all, it was an excellent day. There will be another sewing day in the autumn, but if anyone wants to get involved before then, I will be happy to meet with them to explain what is involved.”

The event marked the eighth Sewing Day organised by Lynne and her team. In the four years that Holy Trinity Eco Church has been supporting the Pachamama Project, more than 3,000 pads have been made—enough to support 375 women out of period poverty.

One volunteer who attended the Sewing Day, Helen, is also planning a Wing Walk for her 71st birthday to help raise funds for the Pachamama Project and cover transport costs for getting pads to Uganda.

For more details, contact Lynne Vercoe or email office@whtministry.org.uk.

Pictured: Volunteers produced 238 pads and 86 bags in aid of the Pachamama Project