67 Ways to make a difference - the DIYgirls way

Nelson Mandela impactfully said that it is not merely the fact that we have lived that counts in life, but rather the difference we have made to the lives of others.

DIYgirls has always felt strongly about giving back to our communities. We also understand that we are currently seeing unprecedented levels of need all around. As such our community projects are aimed at assisting and uplifting individuals in the areas in which the business operate.

Nobody could foresee the large-scale impact to come when, at the start of 2021, a DIYgirls employee named Betty Tshuma asked the business to support her heart’s desire. She wanted DIYgirls to produce and sponsor quilts to people in need. Her plea touched our hearts and the all-female staff complement got to work on realising this noble vision. The blankets were handmade with fabrics from Hertex and Home Fabrics and, in little time, we managed to donate a number of quilts to the Bona Lesedi Disability Centre in Diepsloot.

"This sponsorship was such a resounding success that we decided to extend the quilts donation project," said Betty.

As part of our Mandela Day initiative, we recently made and donated another 52 quilted blankets to the St Francis Care Centre in Boksburg, Dlala Nje Children’s Home in Johannesburg as well as homeless individuals living in the Sandton and Bryanston community.

In honour of Nelson Mandela, and in the essence of Mandela Day - Take action, Inspire - the DIYgirls team with support of another interior design house, Fabrics & Scissors, has been able to donate 67 quilts in total to these beneficiaries. With a little protection from the cold, we have peace of mind knowing that a number of people will sleep a little warmer this winter.

Let us remember: What counts is the difference we make to the lives of others and, let us make every day Mandela Day, in the spirit of Ubuntu.