We are delighted to announce that Uthando Project has been granted DGR status (Deductible Gift Recipient) in Australia, with all donations over $2 being tax deductible.
Donations can be made by cheque, via Paypal or through our ANZ Bank Account (more details here), with new credit card functionality for both one-off and ongoing donations COMING SOON!
We are deeply grateful for your ongoing generosity and support of our valuable work.
When Chris Bellanger last visited KwaZulu Natal, she spent much of her time sharing her reading glasses with the wonderful African ladies… and left with a promise to them that she would somehow get glasses to them once she was back in Albany, Western Australia.
True to her word, Chris and the Albany ladies collected numerous pair of glasses, with Rose even sewing up simple cases for them! So heartwarming now to see the pleasure that this has brought the ladies in Kwazulu Natal! Ah, the things we take for granted.
Perhaps some other groups would like to collect good condition used (or new!) glasses that could be sent over to Kwazulu Natal in addition to the dolls? Chris recommends a magnification of between 2.5 to 3 would be very suitable!
The August 2014 Newsletter is a bumper read – packed full of valuable information for our dedicated dollymakers and Uthando supporters.
Relax and enjoy!
Boy dolls are in demand! Our Uthando partners need about 40% of the dolls we send to be boys – here are some to inspire you!
We are thrilled to see that a new dollmaking group has formed in Benowa, on the Gold Coast, Queensland.
Initiated by friends Shari and Judy, the new group of enthusiasts has quickly become quite addicted to the creation of Uthando dolls, a feeling so many of us can relate to! In their short time together they have made 30 beautiful dolls, all gorgeously turned out in their knitted outfits.
Judy’s granddaughter, Brooke, ensures that the dolls are adequately accessorised, crafting flowers, braids and jewellery to add extra excitement and play value to each doll. Brooke, you warm our hearts!
Welcome aboard Queensland! We look forward to seeing more of your dolls for the children of KwaZulu Natal.
For more information on this group, please contact Judy on judyg12@nullgmail.com or 042 887 2828
Details of other groups or how to start your own group can be found here
The wonderful group of women who meet every fortnight at The Meeting Place in Fremantle held a farewell morning tea for a founding member, Delis Hague. 
Delis has embarked on a new phase in her life in her native home, New Zealand. The whole group turned out to wish Delis well and to encourage her to keep up the doll making when she gets herself settled in Nelson. Delis hopes doll making will be a great way to meet new friends in Nelson.
We are so looking forward to seeing your work from across the waters, Delis!
This sight is sure to gladden any Uthando heart! On 17th January, we were delighted to be part of the Community Day at the 2014 Maccabi Junior Carnival, held in Perth. With 163 teenage girls participating, this 5 hour event was something quite different to the format of our usual workshops and school programme!
What a day we had! The hall was abuzz with the girls’ enthusiasm and love, as they each worked diligently to complete their special doll for a child they would never meet. Colourful fabrics, beads and wool – and the most amazing sock collection – brought the dolls to life and the girls were rightly proud of their marvellous creations.
The marathon session was very ably led by our wonderful Schools Coordinator, Lynne Tognolini and supported by 7 Uthando ladies – see if you can spot some familiar faces in the fabulous photos on Facebook (and remember to “Like” our Facebook page while you are there!)