On Saturday we finally saw spring in Joburg, and what brilliant timing for our second Grace Factory Social, held in a sprawling garden with ponies, turkeys, pools and picnic space.
We were there to have fun and socialise, but also to raise awareness and much-needed goods for The Grace Factory, a non-profit organisation that collects baby items at locations in Gauteng and the Vaal Triangle, and distributes these items to children’s homes and orphanages.
Last year, together with Amy Westerman (the founder of The Grace Factory), and fellow mom blogger Sharon van Wyk, we organised a hugely successful party, and this year was no different (this time we had Sam of Salon Finder organising too).
On Saturday, we chatted, chilled and ate while our kids frolicked, climbed, rode on ponies and had their faces painted. We also collected bags and bags of used and new baby and kids’ items.
Thanks to all those who gave so much of their time and resources, and to those who came and supported The Grace Factory, and opened their hearts, cupboards and drawers.
If you weren’t able to make it, but would still like to give, please see below to see how you can help. As they say, spring is the time for spring cleaning, so if you have anything to part with, please let me or The Grace Factory know and we can organise collections/drop-offs.
A huge thanks to
- Andrea Barras for the design work and invites
- Natalie Gormall of Creationography for the pics (we’ll publish them soon)
- Pastry Angel for the cupcakes
- Penny for her magnificent venue and pony rides
- Enrista for the coffee
- Ciro for the gift bags
- Macaroon, Bennett’s, Afrochinobaby, Naartjie, Korango, Johnson’s Baby and McNab’s for the prizes
- Victoria for the face painting
- Andrew from Wires and Wireless for the hotdogs
- Nickerbockledoodlebug for the soft play area for the kids
If you have used goods, or want to help:
Email The Grace Factory to arrange for a collection or donation.
There are also seven days to go for The Grace Factory’s maternity pack fundraising, which puts together hundreds of packages for pregnant moms who have no means to buy themselves or their new babies the basics. Different.org matches every donation rand for rand – see more info here
