South African social entrepreneur, Colleen Deetlefs, is passionate about creating awareness of the state of our environment through the renewing of different waste materials and shifting the global economy through the rejuvenation of waste. Her latest initiative, IWDS, is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to fostering sustainability and economic empowerment. Through its work, it strives to offer more than just a solution for waste - it is helping to build a future where creativity, sustainability, and community-driven progress go hand in hand. IWDS is committed to transforming waste into opportunity by upskilling individuals, fostering creativity and promoting sustainability. In a world where waste is abundant and unemployment hovers at 35%, IWDS’s mission is to upskill individuals using repurposed waste materials. With winter now in full swing in South Africa, IWDS has identified a dire need for sleeping bags with a carry bag for the 16000 homeless people in Durban alone. Through upskilling, IWDS is on a mission to create sleeping bags from waste fabrics-turning waste into hope-to those who need it most.
Speaking about the launch of this initiative, Colleen says:
“We are using waste material that would otherwise end up in landfill. We are bringing some comfort to those in need. In the process we are upskilling the unemployed and the jobless. We also need to raise funds to be able to buy blankets and secondhand jackets. Giving back to the Community. In a world full of challenges, everyone deserves warmth and comfort, especially those who are vulnerable.”
With the cold weather now in full force in the country, the IWDS team have already started distributing the sleeping bags to the homeless in Durban. IWDS’s aspirations are to try and meet the needs of as many homeless people as they can. By offering skills training, the aim is to create self-sustaining families and uplift unemployed communities, all the while contributing to the reduction of waste. IWDS strives to offer a solution for waste, whilst at the same time building a future where creativity, sustainability, and community-driven progress go hand in hand.
Colleen adds, “Winter waits for no one. Love upcycles waste. Let's recycle, repurpose, and give back.”
To know more about the work of IWDS and its impact-driven initiative to create sleeping bags from waste fabrics for the homeless, and to support, contact Colleen Deetlefs via Whatsapp 081 433 8290 or email colleen.iwd@gmail.com or visit the website and social media platforms:
Website: http://rejuvenate-green.co.za
Facebook: https://IWDSuperfluere
Instagram: https://iwdsuperfluere
