THE TOY PROJECT
Handcrafted with Heart | From Plettenberg Bay to Cape Town
Changing Lives, One Stitch at a Time
We are proud to introduce our latest initiative in partnership with The Toy Project, a skills and employment initiative that transforms fabric and thread into beacons of hope.
Based in the Wittedrift community outside Plettenberg Bay, this project empowers previously unemployed women to become breadwinners for their families.Each toy is 100% handmade, quirky, and authentic - stitched with personality and purpose.
The Hippo Boutique Hotel is honored to support this initiative, bringing these unique creations from the Garden Route to the Mother City.
Small beginnings to a Global Mission
The Toy Project was born out of a desire to make a difference. Founded by Renee Leger, a fine arts and interior design graduate, the initiative began as a response to the high unemployment levels in the Garden Route.
Renee linked up with an existing sewing group in the Green Valley community who were working out of a garage. It was a "hand-in-glove" match: Renee brought the design eye and marketing platform, and the women brought the skill, resilience, and motivation.
What started with needle, thread, and fabric offcuts has grown into a sustainable business, providing full-time employment and a steady income for women who were once chronically unemployed.
Authentic, Quirky, and Unique
No two toys are identical. Whether it’s a Rhino made of traditional Shweshwe fabric or a soft linen doll, each piece reflects the individual style and personal expression of the woman who made it.
These are not mass-produced items; they are labor-intensive works of love. The project uses no heavy machinery - just nimble fingers and a shared commitment to quality.
The result is a product that carries the warmth of its maker, creating a meaningful connection between the artist and the owner.
A Partnership Born from Discovery
The story of this collaboration began with a trip to Plettenberg Bay. While visiting the team at Mungo - another proudly South African brand we support, our General Manager spotted these handmade animals in a local shop.
Captivated by their unique charm, he took a photograph of the label and, upon returning to Cape Town, immediately reached out to The Toy Project. This sparked a direct relationship where Hippo purchases these creations to display and resell within the hotel. It is a continuous cycle of support.
The more our guests fall in love with and purchase these whimsical characters, the more we can order, directly sustaining the livelihoods of the ladies in the Garden Route
Connect with the Cause
These works are now spread throughout the hotel, adding a touch of joy and colour to our spaces.
We invite you to explore the collection during your stay.
Should you wish to take a piece of this story home with you, please enquire with any of our friendly staff.
Every purchase is a direct contribution to keeping a community’s hope alive.
