7 Days of Gratitude 2024!
Zimele’s 7 Days of Gratitude (posted on social media during Thanksgiving 2024) - As a countdown to Giving Tuesday, we highlighted people, moments, and milestones that made 2024 so meaningful!
DAY 1 - Thankful for… Audrey
If you’ve ever met Audrey, Director of Zimele Wethu Foundation, you know she’s someone really special. Audrey and her husband, Sinatra, just recently visited the U.S. and what a treat it was!
3 Things You Didn’t Know About Audrey:
Once she starts, she can’t stop… giggling!!
Need a safari guide? Audrey’s keen eye can spot a baby Kudu from a mile away!
Always invite her to dinner—her adventurous palate loves trying new cuisines, especially Korean comfort food!For over two decades, Dr. Matimelo has led with humility, strength, integrity, and humor.
Audrey’s unwavering belief in the potential of Zimele women, combined with her deep understanding of development work and her dedication to empowerment, is what drives our mission forward.
She’s the incredible force behind the impact Zimele makes on the ground, and we’re thankful for her leadership, vision, and for simply being who she is.
Day 2- Thankful for… the Zimele USA community
From Seattle to Madison, Boston to Virginia - Your presence and support year after year means so much. Whether you are:
Walking the 5K loop at Mackay Park with your family and pup
Donating $25 a month as part of The Well community.
Pre-ordering a beautiful cupcake baked with love
Bidding on silent auction items at our gala
…these seemingly small, individual acts have a BIG impact on our ability to continue our programs and transform the lives of women in communities like Msinga, Swayimane, and rural Durban.
Seeing our Zimele USA community come together reminds us of how when people care beyond themselves, and a few come together, we can make a real difference – even in a community literally on the other side of the world.
Thank you for continued support and we can’t wait to see you at our next event!
Day 3 - Thankful for… Our Partners
We’re so grateful for our amazing partners who help take Zimele’s work to the next level! Your support amplifies our impact, helping us go further and deeper in empowering women and transforming communities.
Your accountability and trust show that you believe in our team and the work we do. Your patience and understanding of the complexities of development work are truly appreciated.
You walk alongside the Zimele staff, faithfully supporting us as we walk alongside the women we serve. We couldn’t do this without your partnership - Thank you!
Day 4 - Thankful for… Our Volunteers
🙌 🙌 A huge THANK YOU to our incredible volunteers who go above and beyond in every way. Whether your talents and passions lie in writing, party planning, business development, social media, fundraising, baking, organizing, heavy lifting or team building, Zimele USA wouldn’t be the same without each and every contribution you make.
Our volunteers are the secret sauce to Zimele USA – they are the spark ✨ behind every event, the hands that make things happen and the heart that keeps our mission alive.❤️
👏 Thank you for your time, talent and heart. You make everything we do better.
Day 5 - Thankful for… Ambassador Trips
The opportunity to travel to South Africa and experience Zimele’s impact firsthand has been such a gift. We are so thankful to the Zimele Wethu staff, the women and their communities who welcome us with open arms and generously share their lives with us!
To all the Zimele ambassadors who have left a tiny piece of their heart in South Africa, thank you for returning with stories to share, new perspectives and a deeper understanding and passion for Zimele work! You’re an invaluable part of our support network, and your excitement rejuvenates all of us as we continue on the long road of transformation.
We’re excited for more trips, more connections and more people who will partner with us in making a lasting and significant impact on women’s lives!
Day 6 - Thankful for… the Zimele Wethu Staff
Today we’re thankful for the dedicated, courageous and gifted ZWF staff! Women empowering women!
They’ve earned the trust of the communities they serve because they care and they SHOW UP. Zimele staff drive for hours to meet women in remote, rural areas neglected by government officials. They travel treacherous roads, walking alongside Zimele women every step of the way.
They train, mentor, listen, and laugh together. They pour their hearts into their work and thanks to their tireless efforts—and your support—women are turning their hopes and dreams into reality.
Chuma, MaZuma, Nohtie, Tendai, Pamela, TsiTsi, Sneh, Reshma & Audrey: Thank you for all you do, both seen and unseen. We’re so grateful for each of you!
Day 7 - Thankful for… the Zimele Women
We celebrate and honor the women who aspire and inspire. They embody the Zimele spirit – one of courage, resilience and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. It is our privilege to walk alongside them on their journey.
Will you join us in helping change the trajectory of a woman’s life?
Zimele provides women with the tools they need to recognize the strength within themselves. Through training and mentorship, Zimele women develop skills, nurture their dreams and create pathways to stable incomes.
Every donation – no matter the size – supports women in gaining financial independence, building businesses and transforming futures for generations to come.
Together, we are empowering women, transforming communities.
A big THANK YOU to the amazingly talented @therealjcbd and @angelarobschild for bringing this video to life and for generously sharing your gifts.