Our adorable hand knitted toys are made with love in Zimbabwe.
About the project
The knitting project in Zimbabwe was established with in 2008 and now employs more than sixty knitters. The toys are made in area where unemployment is a huge problem (it currently stands at over 90%), so the jobs are highly sort after and valued. The knitting project provides meaningful employment for women; a way to build a future for themselves and their families.
Knitting is an ideal activity for generating income as it can be done anywhere, anytime, and can fit in with the myriad other responsibilities the women have.
Proceeds from the sale of these gorgeous, ethically made friends help the women of Zimbabwe, and importantly, the proceeds also support the obstetric fistula patients of Ethiopia.
Kimberly's story
Our regular Sydney volunteer, Kimberly has a soft spot for these cute toys.
"I had just finished a Science degree and was between jobs when I was invited to a Colour Conference. Every year they focus on fundraising for a major cause. The year I went they spoke about Catherine Hamlin and her lifelong work in Ethiopia. I found Catherine’s story so fascinating, particularly that she was still operating on obstetric fistula patients into her late 80s! This amazed me on so many levels. I found her faith, courage, compassion and endurance inspirational.
That was two years ago. Since then, I have been volunteering at Hamlin HQ one day a week. While I now have a full time job, I still love volunteering one day a week in the shop. Catherine’s passion and energy has taught me a thing or two!
My favourite thing(s) in the shop are the hand knitted friends. These little animals are not only incredibly cute – they are all slightly different. Each animal is lovingly handmade, and the name of the knitter is written on its tag along with the name it has been given by its creator. They are ethically made by women in Zimbabwe, as well as helping to raise funds for training Hamlin midwives and treating women who suffer with obstetric fistula. I call that a win – win."
Choose your favourite friend here.