A post supporting Oxfam with much love
Meet Mr Sock. He’s an Oxfam sock monkey and while he has found a new home being loved by my daughters, he began life in a very special place too.
Mr Sock was made through the community-based group Woza Moya by Thembeka Tenza. I know this because each sock monkey that is crafted by the Woza Moya group is completely unique and bears the name of the artist who made it.
The Oxfam team tell me that after a while you start to see the personality of each crafter coming out in their creations. Judging by Mr Sock, I think Thembeka Tenza has a great sense of humour and a bright, bold way of talking. Here’s Mr Sock sporting a hand-knitted ‘beanie’ (which is actually one of several sweet egg cozies made by Vicki from Boiled Eggs & Soliders and sent as a surprise in the mail last week… a fitting hat for Mr Sock, don’t you think?).
I love that Mr Sock has brought a very special story to my children. We watched this video together and Mr Sock was immediately elevated by Cappers to ‘bed level’ teddy. This is indeed a rare position, being previously only occupied by Beverley Bear.
Mr Sock beautifully encapsulates all the reasons why I have actively supported Oxfam for many years and have recently said ‘hell yes!’ to becoming part of the Oxfam blogger tribe. Like Mr Sock, Oxfam believes in helping communities help themselves. They are a warm place on a cold night. They don’t discriminate or dictate and they believe in the artistry of life and the importance of laughter and connection. Plus they are just that little bit left-of-centre daredevil.
So, hello Mr Sock and hello Oxfam. Thank you for helping my kids learn that where their toys come from can be even more important than why their toys come and thank you for introducing us to Woza Moya. A reminder that incredible joy powers communities all over the world and that every one of us can play a role in spreading that joy. #endpoverty
A photo taken by Cappers of her new best friend. Mr Sock loves climbing trees.
What’s your kids’ current favourite toy and why? Do you like it?
Bianca Wordley says
Bron, your words are so beautiful, your images stunning and your sentiment honest and soulful. Thank you from all of us at Oxfam Australia.
Nicole@ The Builders Wife says
This is just lovely. What a wonderful way to introduce learning where the children’s toys come from. It just so important. I’ll be sharing this with my kids when they are home from school x
Mumma McD says
I love the work that Oxfam does. And being able to teach kids that other children around the world have very different lives to them is so important. Love the photos of the little guy, he’s very photogenic!
Holly says
What a lovely idea Bron!! I want one now – would be great for the little ones at school!
Bec @ The Plumbette says
I love this post for so many reasons Bron. Oh the stories your sock monkey could tell. I’d love to blog and support a charity organization that assists with Third world and developing countries. I just feel a bit bogged down at present with everything. I’d love to support fresh water projects or sewerage disposal in third world countries. I’m putting this on my list to look into. Thank you for the inspiration. xx
Lila says
Beautiful Bron, such a perfect way to tell the tale of these lovely toys.
Vicki @ Boiled Eggs & Soldiers says
I love Mr Sock and the egg cozy is a perfect hat for him! I also love what Oxfam are doing in producing the sock monekys, such a special toy and I will be sharing it with my girls after school today too. My youngest’s favourite toy is “Rabby” the rabbit which once used to be white and fluffy and is now very grey and lumpy but much adored! (Thank you for the mention too lovely.) x
Sonia from Sonia Styling says
Beautifully shared, Bron. I too fell in love with the sock monkeys and their story. I’m so grateful to be able to work with an incredible organisation such as Oxfam. x
Robyn says
Beautiful Bron. I love the ethos of ‘helping people help themselves’. This is SO much better than just throwing money at problems. Mr sock man looks like he was made by a someone with a lot of love and pride in what they do. x
Josefa @always Josefa says
Well hello Mr sock. You hold the spirit of an old soul and the promise of a future we should all aim for, crave for. A beautiful post Bron and I love Mr Sock’s hat, Thembeka did a great job creating this little treasure xx
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
Oxfam is just so awesome. My girls sit down every Christmas and choose how to donate to others through Oxfam every year. It is so great for them to see how they can help others less fortunate then themselves. This Sock Monkey is gorgeous and I love that you get to know the story behind it. #TeamIBOT
Jenni from Styling Curvy says
Just beautiful Bron x
Janet aka Middle Aged Mama says
I still have – and treasure – two sock monkeys that Miss 18 made for me about 6 or 7 years ago!
Hugzilla says
He is absolutely adorable! I love the unique character that hand-made items have. You just can’t get the same delightful vibe from mass production.
Deb @ inner compass designs says
Beautiful. Great toy and great charity xx
Tash @ Gift Grapevine says
Hello Mr Sock! What a cutie – he looks like he has loads of personality too. I love toys that are unique and the fact Mr Sock has a wonderful backstory makes him even more special. And ‘bed level’ teddy is indeed an important position. Beverley Bear must love having a friend to play with now xx
Shannon@ my2morrows says
This is beautiful Bron! really really special. Xx
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
Isn’t it the best that Oxfam work to help people, not just by giving, but providing a way that they can do this for themselves. Money is an essential part of aid, but pride and dignity are equally important.
I think Mr. Sock is going to be a well loved member of your family, Bron.
We have Teddy, who started life 12 years ago as a fluffy pink bear, but is now a threadbare, floppy greyish bear-thing. He’s been loved to death xx
Emily says
Beautiful post, Bron. What a lovely addition to the family – Mr Sock is gorgeous! Such character. x
Ellen @ Potential Psychology says
I love your photos of Mr Sock Monkey. They capture his personality perfectly. A great way to support a great charity too. We have a plethora of stuffed creatures that go to bed with my boys. My youngest has ‘sleep sheep’ who he has been carrying about since birth. He likes to scratch him for comfort which means that he is now full of holes. Hubby gets frustrated with the special toys but I still have mine from my childhood and I know how important they are to some kids so I’m much more indulgent. Oh and I’m a big softie when it comes to my babies 😉
ClaireyHewitt says
They are really gorgeous. Any project that builds skills and meets the needs/wants of other people, providing an economic and social advantage to all is a winner.
Jodi Gibson (JF Gibson Writer) says
What a beautiful idea. It’s so important to teach our kids the definition of meaningful, and what better way. I’m proud to say Miss 9’s favourite toy would be her book collection, and Miss 7 it would be her Pooh Bear that she’s had since she was about 2 months old. There’s meaning in both of those.
EssentiallyJess says
Oh I love this idea! Toys with purpose are so much better than mass produced stuff, particularly when they are supporting communities. Thanks for sharing Bron.