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Blush Foundation to dash for sanitary pads

2022-12-06  Staff Reporter

Blush Foundation to dash for sanitary pads

The Blush Foundation, one of the cycling charity teams sponsored by Nedbank Namibia for this weekend’s Nedbank Desert Dash, will this year ride to raise funds for its sanitary towel project. 

As a result of economic hardships, many young women do not have the means to buy sanitary pads and they end up using alternative means to manage their monthly cycle; this often results in many girls being absent from school. 

To date, the project has bought over 15 000 packs of sanitary towels and distributed them in Swakopmund, Henties Bay, Uis, Usakos, Omaruru, Rehoboth, Aus and rural areas in the Erongo region.

The foundation, which was founded by Charlene Hartung, is the corporate social investment arm of All Things Charlie, an online blog geared at empowering women from all walks of life. 

According to Hartung, ‘Charlie’ means strong man or strong woman, as women wear many hats and have to fully encompass various roles to make their lives work 100%. 

“The name represents the notion that these are real women and professionals supporting each other and building a community. We believe that it is only when we move together in support of each other that they successfully move forward in life,” said Hartung. 

Elaborating on the proceeds that will be raised, Hartung added they will be raising funds for the Blush Foundation. 

“One of our projects is called The Sanitary Towel Project, which was established to raise funds to procure sanitary towels, which we then hand out to underprivileged school-going girls around Namibia.”

The Blush Foundation’s cycling team is made up of three male cyclists and one female cyclist. 

In terms of expectations on the team’s performance, Hartung said the most important goal for them is to finish the race. 

“Just by finishing the race, we will be able to raise funds per kilometre cycled, which will be used to buy the sanitary towels.”

The Sanitary Towel Project will also partner with other projects for the distribution of the pads and will use the opportunity to also promote an education drive to share menstrual health information with young girls and boys. 

“We also plan to run a campaign to encourage the public and businesses to sponsor our riders per kilometre cycled to bring awareness to the cause.”

Speaking about the bank’s support for various charities riding in the Desert Dash this year, Nedbank Namibia communications manager Selma Kaulinge said the bank is extremely proud that charities can use the Dash platform to shine a light on various social issues.  “We have now seen that the Dash has become so much more than just a sporting event. We wish all the teams taking part in this year’s Nedbank Desert Dash the best of luck and safe riding.”  Other sponsors of the All Things Charlie team include Erongo Marine Enterprises, JM Recovery Services CC and Ocean View Shell in Swakopmund. 

The money donated was used to cover costs, including cycling kits, supplements, diesel fuel, as well as support vehicles.

The Nedbank Desert Dash is expected to take place from Friday to Saturday, with more than 900 cyclists expected to take part in the 24-hour, 393-km race from Windhoek to Swakopmund. 


2022-12-06  Staff Reporter

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