UNDERPRIVILEGED young women will get a major transformation on their matric night – all thanks to the Rags to Riches project.
Cheryl Scheepers, who started the Rags to Riches initiative two years ago, said she makes it a point that the girls look amazing because the matric farewell night was a milestone in their adult life, adding “they should look pretty and enjoy themselves”.
East Londoners have been generous in donating dresses, shoes and bags to the project and Scheepers added a packet of tissues, sweets and perfume samples from Perfume Den, while daughter, Cheryl Dene, who also assists with the project, contributed lip gloss. They also have photographer Erica Goddard taking stunning pictures of the girls on their special night.
“ We dress them from head to toe. I give them a dress, shoes, bag and we do make-up and I have a lady who has come on board to do nails and ethnic hair,” she said.
“A lot of them cannot afford to look glamorous and I try to make it as memorable as I possibly can. Some of the things I buy from my own pocket and some are donated to us, and we very thankful to the East London community [for the donations],” Scheepers said.
Rubaya Pitt, who attends Alphendale Secondary School, could not afford a new dress and found a beautiful one in Scheepers’ collection. “I am grateful to aunty Cheryl for doing this for us. The matric farewell is a very important night and every girl wants to look pretty,” Pitt said.
Scheepers said they were hoping to cater for boys as well in the future. If you want to donate call Scheepers on 084-840-2690.
Caption for image:
SPECIAL LADIES: The Rags to Riches project is turning girls into princesses for their matric farewells. Charmaine Pote, left, and Rubaya Pitt, right, are two of the recipients of beautiful dresses, courtesy of the project. Helping Hands charity organisation’s Marion Peake, centre, is one of those who identifies needy recipients Picture: QHAMANI LINGANI
