Two years ago, in a town in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, the Rotary Club of Jeffreys Bay and Spirals Yoga Studio created the JBay Recycling Project. Children are encouraged to collect, sort and deliver recyclable materials (plastic, tin, glass, cardboard) once a week in exchange for tokens. In turn, the tokens can be used in the Swop Shop for essentials such as toothpaste, food and soap, as well as shoes, clothes, small toys and school supplies.
Not only does this project encourage kids to clean up their environment but has also created a system for them to “count, shop, save and set goals for themselves.” I can’t think of a better way to empower these precious children. The Swop Shop is stocked by donations from businesses, the community and proceeds from the recyclables collected – two to three tonnes per week. Last year, KAS supplied 100 blankets and 250 hats which were snapped up by the children within a few hours. In the past three months, 1,200 squares have been collected for this project. Amazing!
Hotel Hope
Back in Week 3, I talked about this children’s charity started by Oliver Quambash. Here is an introductory video to explain what they’re all about. It instantly made me want to fly to Johannesburg.
The Magic Knot
As promised, here are the instructions for the Magic Knot. There is also a YouTube video if you don’t find these steps helpful. The Magic Knot eliminates tying in ends and allows you to use every scrap of yarn, making it eco-friendly!
THE SQUARES – WEEK 8
Squares one through four ended up 7.5″ so I joined them into a window pane-looking four-patch. I’ve decided I’m sick of these colours so I’m taking a break from this yarn, hence squares six and seven. Time for something new!
Final thoughts…
“Accept and embrace the impact we have on one another and treat it with respect. I believe once we realize the importance of those, even minor, experiences we have connecting with one another, the more thoughtful we will be.”
Jamie Lynne Grumet
Square Count: 56
Blankets: 1
Hats: 2
Andrea Squared 
JBay – it is wonderful to see both communities coming together to work for the mutual benefit of all!
You have highlighted some impressive community based projects in this blog. It was great to learn about them. It is rare to see a charitable organization fund all its own administrative costs: Hotel Hope is unusual in that respect. The final quote you posted is especially relevant to me this week. Thank you.