Challenge Accepted! (Days for Girls)

I just came across a blogger who has inspired me to take a challenge of my own. thepajamamama.net has committed herself to sew enough shields and liners to complete 100 DfG kits! I have been wanting to sew some kits up, but just haven't 'gotten around to it' because, like everyone else, I am busy. Now, I have accepted the challenge, and I’ve decided to try to bring dignity to dozens of girls.

My project is for Days for Girls, a non-profit organization who provide washable, reusable feminine hygiene products and education to girls and women in impoverished communities globally. From the DFG website:

“What if not having sanitary supplies kept you isolated during menstruation? DAYS without school. DAYS without income. No leaving your room… for DAYS. It happens worldwide to women in impoverished communities. Girls miss up to 3 months of school in just 1 year. Girls use leaves, mattress stuffing, newspaper, corn husks, rocks, anything they can find… all to try to stay in school. Worse, girls are often exploited in exchange for hygiene (see one girl telling her story HERE). It turns out this issue is one of the keys to social change. It’s hard to imagine, but true for women all over the world.”

Here are the details on the kits they distribute. I want to help. I have decided to put together ENTIRE kits. I’ve issued myself a challenge. It’s big. I might not be able to complete it, but I’m hoping with the help of a few generous friends, I can realize my goal. Are you ready?

In 2013, I will put together 50 complete kits.

That’s right. In the next 11.5 months, I’m going to sew 100 shields and 400 liners! (And that's just part of the kits). That is a lot of fabric, PUL, snaps, freezer bags, panties, washcloths, etc. that I will be trying to raise funds for. I will be doing this in a few different ways:

Would you like to help me reach my goal? Great! Here’s how.

If you would like to sew, visit the Patterns & How To’s page on the Days for Girls site.
If you would not like to sew, but still want to help, you can donate money or materials for me to use.
The items I need are:

• PUL – this is the usually expensive, waterproofing material. I can get this wholesale directly from DFG for $5/yd. plus shipping. But if you have scrap, I’ll take it!
• Flannel. Lots and LOTS of flannel. Cute patterns and good quality are the best for this, and it’s used for both the shields and the liners.
• Snaps. KAMsnaps size 20 in any color.
• Thread. 100% Polyester thread in a variety of colors. 

If you would like to donate by purchase,  visit my store and make a purchase of cloth pads. This way, we both get something. You get beautifully made cloth pads and the good feeling of knowing you are helping support a wonderful cause. I get an awesome new customer and a generous donation (25% profit from sales).

Or if you just want to send me a few bucks so I can buy it myself, I’m including this handy PayPal link for you to do so!