Somerset Park resident ‘bears’ her soul for charity
Tasmika Mahabir put out an appeal for donations of teddy bears across various social media platforms and through word of mouth, and collected more than 550 teddy bears to donate to charity.
WHEN Somerset Park resident Tasmika Mahabir began a collection to bring joy to children’s homes across Durban, she did not expect that her dream of stuffed cuddly goodness would evolve beyond her wildest dreams.
Mahabir, a medical student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, put out an appeal for donations of teddy bears across various social media platforms and through word of mouth, and collected more than 550 teddy bears to donate to charity.
The 22-year-old called her initiative Teddy Up and used Mandela Day to bring her goal to fruition.
WATCH: Danville learner arrives in magic ‘trolley’ ride to matric dance
“It all started with my seven-year-old cousin, Aarav: he was visiting, and I saw the look of adoration when he spotted my teddy bears. It got me thinking that I wanted to create that same feeling for other children. My family was the first port of call, and they responded incredibly positively. I told my friends about the idea, and through word of mouth, the message spread like wildfire.
“I even sent out messages to the youth group at the Umhlanga Hindu Society and The Kumari Shiksha’s Dance Institute (KSDI), and it just got even bigger. Within seven days, the collection of teddies had grown from around 10 to more than 550. We also set up collection points in areas like Chatsworth and Northmead to allow people to donate their beloved bears,” she said.
Mahabir, who is a finalist in the ZEE TV Miss India South Africa competition, said the success of the drive has inspired her to carry on the tradition every Mandela Day.
WATCH: Durban barista brews a cup of success
“Hopefully, this initiative will be bigger and better next year. I have stopped collecting for now and will put out the call again in 2023. I had to put in a cut-off date as I was getting calls from all over Durban. Everyone was so kind in giving to the cause. At first, it was a bit overwhelming seeing so many people come forward, but my family and friends were amazing in helping me get this goal,” she said.
Her family home on Somerset Drive was ground zero for the bears to be sorted, boxed and in some cases, washed before being taken to children’s homes in Chatsworth, Malvern, Westville, Verulam and Canelands.
She added the Greenwood Park SAPS also requested a few teddy bears to donate to the Redhill Clinic.
