Mother Bear Project

A few months ago I contacted a non-profit organization in the states called The Mother Bear Project. I requested 100 hand-knitted bears and not 3 weeks later I received them in the post. It is amazing that the only cost to me was the duty cost; which was practically nothing. The bears came with a few regulations: recipients had to be OVC's (orphan and vulnerable children) or affected by HIV/AIDS, each child had to have their picture taken with their bear, and the photos sent back to Mother Bear Project. The majority of children we work with easily qualified for a bear.

The bears are hand-knitted by individuals all over the states and donated to the organization. This is such an amazing project and I was so excited to be the one to pass out the bears and represent Mother Bear Project. I passed out bears at Treasure Hunters Crèche in Nkosazana, Nkosazana Primary School Grade R, Mgube Crèche in Umhlatuze Village, and Ngwelezane Hospital. I won’t lie; the hospital was a very bittersweet experience because some of the children were very sick and that was hard to see. But, it was great to witness them get a smile on their face while they’re facing so much at such a young age. I hope these bears will bring all of the children some comfort and joy. Make sure to check out their website and maybe you can become a knitter for Mother Bear Project! http://www.motherbearproject.org/

Children at Treasure Hunters Creche. (This is the creche I visit pretty often to help the founders).

Me on my way to Nkosazana Primary School to hand out to the Grade R's (its like Kindergarten).

Nkosazana Primary School Grade R.

Mgube Creche in Umhlatuze Village

Whenever I head to Nkosazana Primary to teach my Grassroots Soccer HIV Program, I always stop to see this little man in his class. I don't know what it is about him but boy does he make me smile!