Christmas gifts that give joy twice

Here’s why, as the festive season and the joyous tradition of giving and receiving gifts begins, Goodbye Malaria, a non-profit organisation aiming to eradicate malaria in Africa in our lifetime, calls for consumers to celebrate both the crafter and the consumer.

Goodbye Malaria’s range of locally made gifts is ‘products with a purpose’, that give twice and have a direct impact on the lives of others.

“Choosing to buy a gift that gives back to those in need extends this joy, so a mother and child in Mozambique can sleep a little easier this Christmas too,” said Kim Lazarus, Goodbye Malaria’s co-founder.

“Your purchase directly funds Goodbye Malaria’s Malaria Spray Programme in Mozambique, while creating sustainable employment for artisans and previously unemployed and disadvantaged individuals who are paid for passionately handcrafting Goodbye Malaria’s African-inspired product range, which involves anything from hand beading to embroidering, stitching and sewing.”

For those who would rather pay it forward, Goodbye Malaria’s consciously crafted gifts each have their own unique story. They give a hand-up, not a hand-out.

Pyjama-style lounge pants

Warning: Once you try these comfortable, soft cotton pyjama-style pants on, you’re guaranteed to dream big – of a malaria-free Africa in our lifetime. You also might be tempted to swap your work pants for them.

Price: R350 including reusable utility bag (available in five colours).

A life-changing teddy bear

There may be someone special in your life in need of a thoughtful pick-me-up. There’s something special about a teddy bear because they give so much joy to the recipient. The Goodbye Malaria teddies are made with love by the women of Heartworks upliftment project, giving them the opportunity to showcase their talent, live with purpose and to have money to support their families and feed and educate their children.

Toiletry bags

Whether you’re globetrotting or planning a short weekend away, Goodbye Malaria’s small toiletry bags are a hardworking and stylish essential to keep precious beauty products organised and accessible.

Price: R350

Corporate Christmas gifts

A thoughtful and socially conscious gift is the perfect way to thank your clients for their support. New from Goodbye Malaria are their brand new, classic white Adventure shirts with stylish shweshwe trim.

And if your clients prefer something easier to wear this summer, there’s the 100 percent cotton crew neck T-shirt.

Price: R150.

Stocking stuffers

For as little as R175, you can purchase Goodbye Malaria’s pack of five hand-beaded, colourful bracelets. Wear them, stack them and share them generously with friends, proudly showing the world you care about eradicating malaria in our lifetime. Your purchase also funds a non-profit business called Relate. The money you spend on these bracelets goes towards providing senior citizens, or as they’re affectionately known, Gogos and Tatas with the opportunity to subsidise their government grants with some extra income to support and educate their grandchildren whose parents have died from Aids.

Details: www.goodbyemalaria.com/shop