Uthando Project

THANK YOU TO…

A huge Thank You to the many people, businesses and organisations who have supported us in so many ways. If you’re not on this list, please remind us. Sometimes our records don’t show everything. 

Photographs

  • Thanks to everyone who allowed us to use their photograph on this site, in our book, in our posters and display materials – we can’t name you all (although the captions may give the place), but we thank you for your permission.

Fabrics and dollmaking equipment

  • Ben Croker, BJC, for truckloads of polyester stuffing gone into thousands of dolls.
  • Textile Traders for their consistent support.
  • Hundreds of individuals who have donated fabric, buttons, laces, jewellery and all the haberdashery which brightens up the dolls.
  • Soroptimist Fremantle branch who provide $500 each year towards the brown fabric for dolls.

Funds and fundraising

  • We are so grateful for the major donors who have provided several thousand dollars each year. Most have requested anonymity, but our thanks are heartfelt.
  • Fundraising events always involve a galaxy of willing Uthando friends. Doll auctions, exhibitions, garden parties, stalls and children’s activities at countless festivals and the variety of workshops call upon volunteers. Thank you to all.
  • If you are in Albany, WA, please visit Café 14, Peel Place where Karin Marsland has raised several thousand dollars for the Albany Uthando group. Often our individual supporters have lived in Africa and wish to send a contribution back.

Local and state government and not for profit organisations

  • Uthando continues to enjoy working with local governments in the Perth metropolitan region. Usually each host provides venue, enrolment, catering, materials and presenters’ fees for the dollmaking workshops which strengthen our communities.
  • The major partners are the Community Development departments of City of Swan, City of Stirling, City of Melville, City of Perth, City of Subiaco, City of Belmont, Shire of Kalamunda and City of Wanneroo.
  • We deeply appreciate the solidity of working with communities which may be migrant, refugee, indigenous, intergenerational, seniors and youth.
  • Bandyup and Roebourne Women’s Prisons showed the benefits of compassionate work.
  • Western Australian Museum, Albany.
  • St John of God medical outreach services in the Kimberley.
  • Several Aboriginal family and community services and centres with the Department of Indigenous Affairs, Catholic Education Aboriginal Committee, YWCA and Soroptimists.
  • The consistent work of Aboriginal education liaison facilitator, Sandra Maher, in bringing the social benefits of Uthando dollmaking to indigenous communities and colleges.
  • Recognition, support and partnership with the Western Australian AIDS Council.
  • There is mutual respect and enjoyment in working with the MMRC – Multicultural Migrant Resource Centre.

Educational and professional bodies

  • Probably 200 schools, colleges and early education training centres (nationally and globally) have made Uthando dolls. The income from dollmaking kits for students makes it our largest income earner. Many schools also raise funds for the freight of their dolls. This helps enormously.
  • Learning Centres find our Uthando workshops fit into their range of classes.
  • WAIMH (World Association for Infant Mental Health) at State and National levels have contributed funds for the publication of our book, “100 Dolls, Countless Hearts” and encouraged our participation at their World Congress in Cape Town 2012.
  • Thanks to the Children’s Book Council of WA.

Other charitable organisations

  • Soroptimists International, especially Fremantle Branch.
  • Rotary clubs over the years, especially Kalamunda branch for cost of freight in 2013.
  • A wide range of church organisations, congregations, craft groups and schools.

Media, website and publications

  • Natalija Brunovs, for our stunning book, DVD, website and logo design.
  • City of Swan, for fabulous knitting and sewing poster design and funding.
  • Abbott and Co, our patient and professional printers.
  • Earlier website work by Robin Brown, Studio 32.
  • Michael Efford for producing this website.
  • Lotterywest for the generous grant which made making this website possible. The value of this grant will continue to enliven and support Uthando’s work and vision for many years.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO UPDATE THIS PAGE. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOURS OR ANOTHER CONTRIBUTOR’S NAME ADDED – OR REMOVED.

Uthando Project