BERNINA of America to Support Sew-A-Thon, Helping Girls in Zambia
Embroidery machine manufacturer BERNINA of America announces a partnership with Sew Powerful, a nonprofit working to combat extreme poverty in Zambia, Africa. The pair will join forces for a fundraising effort — the second annual Sew-A-Thon — during National Sewing Month in September.
For the fundraiser, BERNINA and Sew Powerful invite individuals and groups to sew as many fabric purses as they can from Sept. 1-30. The purses will then be filled with feminine hygiene products so girls in Zambia can go to school during their menstrual cycle.
“At BERNINA of America, we recognize what it means to have a passion to create and that’s why it is especially rewarding to team up with Sew Powerful and help celebrate National Sewing Month,” says Paul Ashworth, BERNINA of America CEO and president, in a press release.
Sew Powerful has collected over 100,000 purses since 2014 through this initiative, allowing girls in Zambia to get back six weeks of school per year.
“Girls who stay in school all month long are much more likely to pass their 7th-grade exam, allowing them to pursue secondary education in Zambia,” explains Jason Miles, co-founder of Sew Powerful. “Failing this test ends all educational opportunities. Imagine girls missing a week of school every month because they don’t have the supplies to manage their periods. The Sew Powerful program and the Sew-A-Thon make an incredible impact by creating purposeful products that change communities.”
2023 Sew-A-Thon Details
The goal for 2023 is to enroll 250 purse makers by Aug. 31 who will create and donate 25,000 purses. Monetary donations will also be accepted to provide relief for the $10 it costs to fill each purse. To make things fun for the participants, sponsors have donated a number of prizes, which will be awarded based on donations raised.
As a platinum sponsor for the 2023 Sew-A-Thon, BERNINA is providing two machines as grand prizes for those participating in the fundraiser. The BERNINA 500 E is valued at close to $5,000 and the bernette 79 is valued at almost $3,000. Each participant who signs up for the fundraiser will also receive a $100 rebate on the purchase of a new BERNINA or bernette machine. BERNINA and other sponsors have contributed over $31,000 in total prizes and incentives.
Those interested in contributing can enroll here by Aug. 31. Purses need to be completed throughout National Sewing Month in September. There are drop-off locations for purses in Arizona, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and Washington, as well as addresses and shipping tips for those not located in the listed states.
