You've Brought Joy to our World

With Christmas just around the corner, the ladies are busily finishing off all orders this week before closing Pinky Place on Friday for Christmas and New Year. It’s been an incredible year. We’ve had highs. We’ve had lows. And we’ve had life changing experiences.

I’ve seen the ladies grow from strength-to-strength. I’ve seen them blossom into beautiful, empowered women. They’ve formed incredible friendships with each other and I’m very proud of their hard work and perseverance. They are learning that together, through hard work, love and faith – there is a bright future that they are responsible for.

Chatting to the ladies after Martha and I returned from the 2nd Annual Platinum Awards in Mafikeng last week, I could see how proud and excited they all were of us coming third under the Soft Toys & Furnishings category (Yippee - I’ve posted a picture on the left of Martha’s beautiful Bushfelt creation that we entered into the competition). I truly believe that they all love what they do and that’s the best bit – in their difficult situations – they too have found something to be passionate about and that's what keeps a person motivated.

This year, despite the odds, we’ve survived all sorts of hardships. Martha taking ill and losing her hearing at the beginning of the year, lack of funding, losing two of our ladies – one to HIV and the other to domestic abuse – and sickness and death that forms part of everyday life for each and every lady. It’s seriously been tough out here in Africa – but together and through the love and support of the Heartfelt community – we’ve beaten the odds!

But despite all the hardships we’ve had incredibly special things happen to us too. God is certainly with us every step of the way. That’s why most importantly, we want to thank you all for the kindness and support you’ve shown throughout 2010 – we would not still be doing what we love if it weren’t for all the people who have believed in us and supported us this year. It’s been a truly inspiring journey and we love you all for all the love you’ve shown us.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to come out to meet the ladies and Martha (and we all know how much she just loves visitors!!). For every email we have received which someone has taken time out of their day to write to us, and for every order and donation we have received. We are totally humbled by your incredible generosity and your love has changed our lives.

May you and your loved ones have a blessed Christmas and a special New Year. We’re looking forward to being part of your lives again in 2011. Let's fill everything we do next year with passion – after all, why live life any other way.

Go in peace, joy and safety.

All our love,
Julie, Martha & all the Heartfelt Ladies

HIV & Feeling Positive!

Well it's World AIDS Day today, 1st December, and our lovely lady who is HIV Positive is busy at work helping to get Christmas orders ready and sent out by the end of the week. Martha and I can’t quite believe that it’s the same lady who couldn’t even get out of bed this time last year. She was half her body weight in size and close to deaths door - now she looks as fit and healthy as all the other ladies and you wouldn’t even know that she was HIV Positive. It just goes to show that you really can live a positive life when you’ve got HIV – you just need a lot of love and support around you.

So on this special day we’d really like to thank all our customers who’ve helped us support our lovely lady over the past two years through sales and donations which we’ve received and given to her family to buy food and to get her to the clinic for check-ups. Martha and I are very proud of what we’ve been able to achieve through the love Heartfelt has received from you all. We've managed to pay it forward and we couldn't have done it without you - so thank you for helping us make a difference. It's allowed one mother to become a positive, happy and healthy role model for her children.


NOW HERE ARE SOME SCARY STATISTICS

• Did you know that in South Africa almost 5 adults are HIV Positive (17.8%) – that is 5.63 million people.

• Everyday almost 1000 people still die of AIDS

• There were 1.95 million AIDS orphans in South Africa in 2009

• More than one in ten high school girls who present to Anti-natal Clinics, are HIV positive (13.7% in 15-19 year age group). For women aged between 30-34, it is 41.5%

So we hope you’re all wearing your HIV/AIDS Heartfelt Brooches with pride today. Together, we can change so many more lives through the love and support of our small community. Getting tested is the first step. Then teaching the ladies how to live a happy healthy life is the second. If you, or someone you know is suffering from HIV please do not hesitate to contact us for advice and support. We’ve got lots more love to spread around.

Ps. And on another positive note. Martha and I are off to the 2nd Annual Platinum Province Craft & Design Awards in Mafikeng tomorrow, where we (Heartfelt) has been selected as a finalists. So we can't wait to spill the beans when we get back and to show you the stunning Bushfelt Design Set Martha created especially for the event. Till then, take care and think positive.