Grace arises in the community
A one-year-old was the inspiration behind a new outreach movement, pioneered from Morningside, called The Grace Factory.
Erin Grace, mom Amy Westerman’s pride and joy, motivated her mother to begin a non-profit organisation to clothe and help babies in need.
“She had so many products and clothes she no longer used, so I decided to put them to good use,” said Amy, who through The Grace Factory has set up collection points for baby goods no longer in use throughout Gauteng, to give to babies who are in need.
To date, The Grace Factory has helped 400 babies in 25 orphanages.
She also hosts special events for moms and sponsors to gather, all for the good cause of clothing the community’s less privileged little ones.
“The organisation’s growth has been phenomenal since the idea for it was first conceived, in February this year,” said a delighted Amy. She has even been on Radio 702 in a bid to reach the heart of the community’s moms and dads. “People were quick to respond to my request for assistance,” she said. Following the radio interview, she set up a website and managed to gain the services of a full-time administrator volunteer for The Grace Factory, Alison Wright.
She said her collection points for baby goods were mostly daycare centres. “The public can drop off their unused or gently-soiled baby items at these centres and once a collection bin is full, the school will contact us to collect the items.”
The organisation requests wish lists from orphanages in and around Gauteng and does a big drop off once a month, and medium drop offs once a week.
Westerman and her team are now embarking on a new project, to make gift packs to give to underprivileged moms who have given birth in government hospitals.
A chartered accountant by profession, she said she never knew she had such a passion for community work until she became a mom and started The Grace Factory. “Our administrator Alison has worked tirelessly and lovingly as she is dedicated to this cause,” she said. “Furthermore, The Grace Factory has become my family project. My husband, my parents and my brother are all involved. Then there is the community which is made of unbelievably generous mothers and fathers.”
To date, The Grace Factory has helped 400 babies in 25 orphanages.
Her story shows that with a little faith, a lot can be accomplished. It would seem grace really does abound in the heart of the community.
To assist, contact Amy Westerman on 074 637 8603 or info@thegracefactory.co.za, or visit the website on www.thegracefactory.co.za.
