Obsolitue waste not just about making gifts
During April and May 2024, Foschini generously donated approximately 7,000 cotton masks that were no longer needed after the compulsory mask mandates had ended. These masks were sent to the REEA Foundation as part of an initiative to provide residents with purposeful activities. The masks became an essential part of the residents’ occupational therapy—a focused and therapeutic task that allowed them to unpick the stitching on the masks, transforming something once discarded into something valuable again.
Meanwhile, Upcycle, a visionary organization committed to sustainability, creativity, and empowering communities, saw the potential in these upcycled materials. Upcycle had already embarked on an empowering mission to train individuals in sewing skills, and through the DP World-sponsored sewing course, 18 women had been trained to craft high-quality products. These women, now skilled artisans, became the driving force behind the next chapter of this story: the creation of drawstring bags.
The concept was both practical and meaningful. The cotton masks unpicked by the REEA residents were repurposed as materials for drawstring bags. These bags not only reduced waste but also became a powerful symbol of transformation—taking something once deemed obsolete and turning it into something purposeful and beautiful.
The collaboration
between the REEA Foundation, Upcycle, and Foschini is a shining example of what can happen when purpose, creativity, and sustainability align. The REEA residents, through their careful and focused unpicking of the masks, found a sense of purpose and meaningful engagement. The Upcycle-trained women, empowered by the sewing skills they had gained, turned those efforts into handcrafted drawstring bags that carry the story of hope, hard work, and transformation. Foschini did the responsible and sustainable thing by not simply landfilling their unwanted masks but taking accountability for their waste, demonstrating a commitment to creating a positive environmental and social impact.
The efforts did not go unnoticed. Chard & Co., a Cape Town-based company, placed an order for 200 drawstring bags, with the promise of a recurring monthly order. This achievement not only highlights the exceptional quality of the bags but also provides a sustainable source of income for the women trained by Upcycle. Each bag sold embodies a legacy of care, collaboration, and empowerment.
Through these bags, REEA and Upcycle have proven that even the smallest contributions can lead to something extraordinary. Whether it is the unpicking of a single stitch or the sewing of a perfect seam, every effort matters. Each drawstring bag is not just a product—it is a story of resilience, empowerment, and the belief that everyone has a role to play in building a better, more connected world. And as the bags make their way into homes and businesses, they carry with them a powerful message: that beauty, value, and purpose can be found in the most unexpected places.
