From Hope to Himalayas
As our second year comes to a close, we sit in quiet awe of what a circle of volunteers, a pile of fabric, and a lot of heart can accomplish.
In 2014, we proved we could send boxes of dignity around the world. In 2015, we proved we could do it again — with greater reach, deeper purpose, and more hands on deck. From the mountains of Nepal to the heart of Cambodia, our handmade dresses, fleeces, dolls, and Angel Wings© reusable pads reached children and communities in need.
We’re still a grassroots project. We don’t have warehouses or offices. But we do have commitment. And thanks to that, we stitched hope into every item that left our hands.
✈️ 2015 Shipments of Love
🇰🇭 New Hope for Cambodian Children – Phnom Penh, Cambodia
This incredible organisation provides a home, education, and medical care to orphans affected by HIV/AIDS. In June, we sent them a shipment filled with joy: bright summer dresses, soft fleece layers, drawstring bags, handmade toys, and stationery.
We imagined the children exploring their new pencil cases, wearing their favourite colour, and maybe even falling asleep under a blanket sewn just for them.
📦 Items Sent: Girls’ dresses, fleece hoodies, drawstring bags, toys, Angel Wings© pads, and more.
📏 newhopeforcambodianchildren.org
“These weren’t secondhand leftovers. They were sewn to size. With dignity. With thought. With care.”
🇳🇵 The Mountain Trust – Pokhara, Nepal
Nepal was still reeling from the devastating earthquake when we connected with The Mountain Trust. Their mission focuses on human rights, education, and health in rural regions.
We sent clothing and hygiene supplies to support their outreach in quake-affected areas — knowing full well that what we sent might be the only clothing some families received that winter. We were especially proud to include reusable pads, so young women could manage their periods with dignity even in the midst of rebuilding.
📦 Items Sent: Dresses, scarves, Angel Wings kits, pencil cases, and blankets.
📏 mountain-trust.org
“When disaster strikes, comfort can come from the smallest things — a clean dress, a soft hat, a handmade pouch.”
🇪🇹 Edget Outreach – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, we partnered with Edget Outreach, which works with orphaned and vulnerable children to provide education, support, and care.
This shipment was filled with warmth: fleece blankets, vests, soft duvets, and pillowcases — all sewn from up-cycled materials. We also included lightweight clothing for warmer days, alongside face cloths and handmade comfort items.
📦 Items Sent: Fleece duvets, handmade toys, clothing, and hygiene items.
📏 edgetoutreach.org
“In a place where nights can be cold and comfort scarce, we hoped each blanket carried the warmth of a thousand hands.”
What We Sewed This Year
| 100s of handmade dresses, shorts, fleece tops & vests | Angel Wings© pads, soap savers & hygiene kits |
| Blankets, duvets, pillow covers & scarves | Drawstring bags, tote bags, and stationery pouches |
| Handmade dolls and toys — stitched with smiles | Knitted accessories by caring hands across the UAE |
Each item was checked, folded, labeled, and packed with love. No two items were ever the same. Every one was made for someone specific — even if we didn’t know their name.
💬 What We Learned in Year Two
This year, we learned that:
- We can grow without losing our heart.
- Our community shows up when we ask for help.
- Every stitch makes a difference — even if it feels small.
We’ve seen that dignity isn’t just about what you wear. It’s about knowing someone cared enough to make it for you. That’s the thread that runs through everything we do.
📣 Were You With Us in 2015?
If you sewed, packed, donated, or delivered with R2R UAE this year — we want your story. Help us record this history before it fades.
If you received a package, shared our work, or supported us from afar — we see you. Thank you.
From all of us at Rags to Riches UAE — thank you for helping us bring warmth, dignity, and hope to the world, one stitch at a time.
♥️🐝♥️🐝♥️🐝♥️🐝♥️🐝♥️🐝♥️
#2015inReview #RagsToRichesUAE #SewBeeCause #SewingHope #HandmadeForDignity #AngelWingsKits #CommunityMatters #GrassrootsWithHeart
