Help the wives of Afghan interpreters sew custom clothing for disabled veterans
Project Introduction
Together with the wives of Afghan interpreters for the Czech Army, we are launching the #EasyShorts project. This initiative focuses on sewing specially adapted shorts for people with mobility disabilities, posture cushions, and various textile gifts for Czech war veterans. Afghan women are gaining qualifications, independence, self-confidence, and improving their Czech language skills, all while creating products that help others in need. We need your help to cover the costs of sewing training, which also serves as therapy, as well as sewing machines and materials.
Double the Good
Double the good by helping in two unique ways:
This fundraiser is aimed at supporting the wives of former Afghan interpreters for the Czech Army, who have found themselves in a new country with limited employment opportunities.
Many of these women, often with little education and young children, face language barriers and a lack of job prospects. This project helps them acquire new skills, speeding up their integration
into Czech society and opening doors to a better life. They will be appropriately compensated for their work with our organization.
At the same time, this fundraiser helps people with disabilities by providing them with specially adapted shorts, something that has been lacking in the Czech market. During the sewing courses, we also make posture cushions to prevent pressure sores, which are given to immobile veterans and hospices. Additionally, to use fabric scraps, we create small gifts like cushions and organizers for our veterans and their supporters.
Who is Behind the Project?
Our volunteer organization, Spolek VLČÍ MÁKY (Red Poppies Association), has been helping Czech soldiers and war veterans for over ten years. We assist them in various difficult life situations by providing assistance, legal support, rehabilitation funds, necessary equipment, barrier-free modifications, and job placement assistance. We've even helped restart the lives of
six homeless veterans.
We also recognize the challenges faced by former Afghan interpreters, who were evacuated to the Czech Republic with their families. While the interpreters have found jobs and learned Czech quickly, their wives, mothers, and sisters are more socially isolated.
Where Will the Funds Go?
The funds will be used for the following purposes:
1. Sewing Training: The cost of sewing training for one woman is 5,000 CZK. We have 16 applicants, so the total cost is 80,000 CZK.
2. Sewing Machines: We want to provide each woman with her own sewing machine, costing 3,000 CZK each. For 16 women, that totals 48,000 CZK.
3. Industrial Machines: The most skilled women will learn to use industrial overlock and coverlock machines. The cost for three machines is 63,000 CZK, and additional training will cost 10,500 CZK.
4. Materials: We'll need 50,000 CZK for materials for training and practice sewing.
5. Website: Creating a project website with a product gallery will cost 16,500 CZK.
6. Administrative Costs : We’ll need 21,000 CZK for project management and trademark protection.
The total amount needed is 289,000 CZK. If we raise at least 25% of the target amount, the funds will be released for use.
If we exceed our goal, we’ll invite more people facing challenges in finding employment, such as single mothers or disabled veterans.
Thank you for your support and for sharing our fundraiser so that others can support it, too!