Welties NGO founder is making a difference
Just over a year old, the organisation was founded in July of 2018 by Paula at her home, with the aim of targeting vulnerable institutions that deal with children.
A Weltevreden Park resident, Paula Potgieter, has been shown to have the most generous and compassionate heart, judging by the projects she embarks on with her newly registered non-profit organisation.
Together We Can Make A Difference is the name given to this multi-disciplinary organisation which aims to involve everyone in making a difference in the underprivileged sectors of our society.
Just over a year old, the organisation was founded in July of 2018 by Paula at her home, with the aim of targeting vulnerable institutions that deal with children.
The Northsider sat down with Paula to unravel what the organisation was about and what it aimed to achieve. “Together We Can Make A Difference came about when I wanted to do care packs which we call ‘Bags of Love’ for children in public hospitals,” she said.
According to Paula, the care packs were for children going through chemotherapy. She said that one of the hospital facilities would see over 80 children during treatment. “I realised a lot of them (children) travel in an ambulance from different provinces without proper clothing. So I decided to come up with care packs with the help of my volunteers who crochet bags, socks and beanies, and also provide bathing essentials and stationery, which is all packaged and given to the children,” she explained.
She added that this project had already reached out to the Wits University Donald Gordon Medical Centre and the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital this year, and is looking to end the year by reaching out to the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (formerly known as Johannesburg General Hospital).
“The ‘Bags of Love’ are very close to our hearts. They bring such joy to these children and from past projects, I am told they love their custom bags and bring them along whenever they have to go back to hospital for treatment,” said Paula as she reflected on the wonderful feedback they receive.
Her good deeds do not stop here. She also touched on other projects that they embark on every three months. Knitting of ‘security’ blankets (a blanket with an animal head); collection of food and volunteering at children’s and retirement homes, are among some of projects they do.
She further elaborated, “Together with the crochet group (a group of volunteers who meet every second week to crochet various items) we have knitted about 300 beanies, scarves and blankets for next winter already. After this, we will be starting with the care packs for rape victims that we will be taking to various care centres. About 100 is our target, and these packs consists of sanitary pads, towels, sweets, underwear and cosmetics,” she explained.
Like any NGO, some help is always needed to keep it going. Paula appealed for volunteers who can crochet or knit to join their group and also the community to donate wool, non-perishable foods, cosmetic and other necessities to contribute to their cause.
To learn more about Together We Can Make A Difference, WhatsApp Paula on 072 622 7078 or visit the following social media pages: Facebook – Together We Can Make A Difference; Instagram – TogetherWeCanMakeADifferenceSA, and Twitter – @Togetherwecanm2.
