SPAR recently hosted the SPAR Challenge (International Netball Test Series) at Ellis Park Arena in the City of Johannesburg, where the SPAR Proteas upset the England Roses 2–1. At the same event, the Protea Men’s Team faced the Australian Kelpies in a three-match friendly series.
Throughout the series, SPAR actively promoted its #EndPeriodPoverty campaign. The SPAR #EndPeriodPoverty campaign forms part of SPAR’s ongoing commitment to uplifting the communities it serves by ensuring that no learner should miss school, and no woman should feel excluded, because of the cost of necessities.
For every goal scored by the SPAR Proteas, a pack of SPAR Petals sanitary pads were donated to help keep young girls in school.
The SPAR Proteas scored 166 goals in the series, with an additional 20 bonus goals added through spectator activations. This resulted in a total of 1 860 packets of SPAR Petals sanitary pads being donated to the Ubuntu Social and Community Development Club’s 600 Project 2026.
The Ubuntu Social and Community Development Club, based in Gauteng, aims through its 2026 Bringing Back Dignity Sanitary Pads Campaign to ensure that young girls return to school with dignity, confidence, and uninterrupted access to education. For many girls in under-resourced communities, the back-to-school period places immense pressure on families. While uniforms, stationery and transport are prioritised, access to sanitary pads is often overlooked. This results in girls missing up to three to five days of school each month, experiencing shame and anxiety, and falling behind academically — simply because they do not have access to basic menstrual hygiene products.
The SPAR Proteas’ efforts will assist 155 girls to stay in school this year.
Inspired by the #EndPeriodPoverty initiative, the Australian Kelpies have also pledged their support. For every goal they scored (184), they will contribute R10.00 per goal (R1 840 in total) toward the cause.
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