Services offered by Epic Foundation
Founder Alta McMaster has presented the organisation’s yearly projects and initiatives to the community.
This will be a busy time as Epic Foundation continues to make a difference in the lives of others.
Founder Alta McMaster has presented the organisation’s projects and initiatives to the community.
The community can get involved in numerous ways, either through donations or volunteering in the organisation which has been in existence since 2013.
McMaster established the foundation after having experienced various traumas in her own life and has since helped other victims.
Yearly projects
• Comfort Pack Project
Aimed to bring comfort to survivors of rape and abuse, comfort packs are to be used during the initial reporting phases at hospitals, and crisis centres as well as police stations.
Epic Foundation is asking for donations of items which include body lotion, bottled water, brown paper bags and chips.
The packs should also include colouring books and pencils, deodorants, face cloth and soap, hair brush, hair elastics and clips.
A lip balm, a notebook, plasters, sanitary towels, shampoo, soft toys, surgical gloves, sweets, tissues, underwear, Vaseline and wipes should also be included.
The foundation is always in need of donations of items or financial donations to help purchase the items needed.
• Counselling services
A qualified counsellor will be available to assist survivors of abuse.
• Empowerment forums
They encourage anyone who wants to join one of their groups to contact them.
• Education and awareness campaigns
This is presented to corporates, schools and women’s groups around various topics, which include knowing what to do when you are raped, effects of ARVs and the importance of DNA, among other topics.
• Motivational talks
McMaster will also host talks of her personal story and how she overcame the traumas of her life, encouraging victims of abuse to speak up.
• Referrals for legal advice and court preparations
If victims have been introduced to a court case or there is someone wanting to take legal action, the organisation refers them to lawyers.
The lawyers then assist through a telephonic session, taking the victims through the processes.
They also make use of Ikaya Lethemba (Home of Hope) in Braamfontein which helps run sessions with survivors in explaining processes that they need to know about in court.
• Self-defence workshops
They also work with Renate Fester from the Elite Defence Academy and run monthly workshops.
Workshops are essential for everyone to empower themselves with self-defence skills.
Anyone interested in attending the workshops may contact McMaster to book their space.
Proceeds from the cost of attending the workshops will go towards their Comfort Pack Project.
• Step-up project
Skills development for women in shelters which include basic computer skills, various soft skills training, preparing a curriculum vitae and preparing for an interview.
• Fairy Godmother project
They also provide matric farewell outfits to learners who cannot afford their own.
The foundation asks for donations of evening dresses, evening bags, jewellery, suits, shirts, ties, shoes and cosmetics.
The community may also refer any child whom they think needs their help.
• Charities4Change
This is a charity networking programme which invites all non-profits in Gauteng to join their networking functions which take place every six to eight weeks.
• Volunteer opportunities
Anyone who may have an interest in offering their services to the foundation is welcome.
The organisation is in constant need of volunteers to assist them with their projects.
To find out more about donations or to offer your services, contact Alta McMaster on 082 940 6230 or on 011 797 4176.
