Page 9 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 9 2024

ESTATE MATTERS
SUSAN HARWOOD’S
BAGS OF LOVE

QUIET ACTS OF KINDNESS DRIVEN BY ONE

WOMAN’S DETERMINATION

hen you speak to Susan Balule Outreach Trust and a board member
Harwood, it becomes clear that of the Olifants River Game Reserve, where
her work through Bags of Love she contributes in an outreach capacity.
Wis an extension of who she is: Her efforts focus primarily on Limpopo and
a compassionate, resilient woman with an Mpumalanga, working with communities in • Non-perishable food items
unshakable belief in helping others. What the Balule area and beyond. Through her • Black school shoes for children
began as a modest effort in her home has work, she has ensured that aid reaches • Stationery (pens, notebooks, pencils)
blossomed into a project that has touched children in rural schools, families displaced •
the lives of countless people and families by floods, and others needing immediate For those who wish to drop off donations, the
in Johannesburg and beyond. Yet Susan relief. Her approach to this work is one of following locations are available:
remains humble, insisting it’s not about the upliftment rather than charity—offering • Lil’ Kitchen, Valley Shopping Centre,
recognition but about doing what she can to sustained support that empowers individuals Dainfern
uplift others. and communities. • Harcourt’s Estate Agents, Leslie Avenue
•
Susan’s journey started after moving back Since the pandemic, Susan’s work has been Every donation, no matter how small, makes
to Johannesburg from Stellenbosch, where recognised with several awards, honouring a difference. Susan serves as a reminder
she had been involved in feeding schemes her dedication and innovation in community that sometimes the simplest acts of
for children. But the spark for Bags of Love upliftment. These include: kindness can change the world.
came when a Canadian friend shared a • The Hope Award for frontline GBV
simple yet profound idea on Facebook: responders from the TEARS Foundation
collect gently used handbags, fill them with (for innovative community assistance);
essentials, and give them to women who • A Certificate of Appreciation from
need comfort—whether they’re survivors the Zimbabwe Integrated Platform
of abuse, struggling to make ends meet, (for contributions to their mission of
or simply in need of a bit of dignity in assisting and uplifting disadvantaged
difficult times. Susan embraced this idea communities);
wholeheartedly, and before long, Bags of • A Vocational Service Award from Rotary
Love was born. (for rendering outstanding service to the
community);
Susan’s project was initially small, with just • An additional award from the TEARS
a few bags donated by friends each month. Foundation (as an activist uplifting
But as the community rallied around her, the survivors of sexual abuse).
donations grew. Then, when the pandemic •
hit, her garage overflowed with blankets, For those looking to support Susan’s efforts,
clothing, food, and more. The sheer volume there are plenty of ways to contribute.
of support was sometimes overwhelming, but Donations of gently used handbags,
Susan and her small team of volunteers took blankets, toiletries, and non-perishable food
it in stride. Every week, they distributed the items are always welcome. If you’re unsure
items to shelters, police stations, and anyone of what to donate, Susan has provided a
who needed a helping hand. wishlist of most in-demand items:
• Gently used or new handbags
Susan’s work has a quiet strength to it— • Sanitary pads (including reusable
there are no grand gestures, no large-scale options)
operations—just bags filled with care and an • Toiletries (soap, shampoo, deodorant)
unwavering commitment to uplifting others. • Warm blankets and clothing
Despite not being a formal charity, Bags of
Love has become a trusted source of support
for many, providing essentials during crises
like shack fires, floods, and the ongoing
challenges women face in shelters.

But Bags of Love isn’t just about providing
items—it’s about restoring dignity and
humanity to those who need it most. “It’s
amazing to see how something as simple
as a handbag filled with toiletries can make
someone feel seen and cared for,” says
Susan. “For many women, it’s more than
just receiving supplies; it’s about knowing
someone out there cares.”
To learn more or to contribute, visit
www.betterfourways.org.za, Susan’s outreach work extends far and
email info@betterfourways.org.za, or wide. With many years of experience as
follow @betterfourways on social media. a businesswoman, photographer, and
copywriter, she is also a trustee of the

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