About the Project
Supporting Dreams One Elephant
and One Toque at a Time.
It Started Small
When Elijah and his mom made the first elephant, they weren’t thinking that this could be the beginning of something bigger than learning how to use a sewing machine. It grew into an idea that maybe selling a few of these stuffed elephants could be part of something bigger. The elephants were sold to friends and family as a fundraiser to support the possibility of starting something in Tanzania for a family that needed an opportunity.
Milka is a young woman living with her 2 sisters, brother and single mother. They are hardworking, caring and full of life. Knowing that Milka wanted an opportunity to go to post-secondary school but couldn’t afford it sparked an idea: perhaps she could benefit from someone believing in her.
In 2018, Elijah, his dad and uncle went on a trip to Tanzania with a plan to visit Milka’s family and help them start a small business from their home. Elijah had sold enough elephants to afford two sewing machines from the local market as well as enough money to purchase supplies to help them get started. He taught them how to produce the same elephant that had helped him learn to sew.
In early 2019, Dream Elephants became available to order from the website www.dreamelephants.com. Milka and her family now have a part in producing the Dream Elephants that are sold. Using the sewing machines that were given to them, they are able to sew Dream Elephants from their home and send them to Canada to be distributed to customers who are ordering a one of a kind, handmade Dream Elephant. With every purchase, funds are set aside for Milka and people like her who need an opportunity.
Inside Each Handmade Elephant is a Leather Heart with the Dream of a Child Written On It.
Inside each handmade elephant is a leather heart with the dream of a child written on it. Doctor. Teacher. To have a Home. When you purchase an elephant you carry with you the dream of a child.
About Our Products
Every elephant is handmade using local supplies by an artisan who is part of supporting their own real dream. When you buy an elephant, a fair wage is paid to each artisan. Additionally, funds are set aside to go directly to supporting dreams of beautiful people like Milka who are seeking to improve life for their families, their community and themselves.
In 2019 we also added BIBI Toques to our handmade shop. Grandma Baba started making toques for charity in the early 2000’s. Thousands of toques later she has supported charities in over half a dozen countries including numerous toques for Samaritans Purse and Operation Christmas Child. Her passion is to see people lifted out of poverty and living healthy lives with their families. Baba hand-knits each toque with love in Calgary, Alberta. When you purchase a Bibi Toque, you are supporting new opportunities for families in Tanzania.
Why Elephants
When Elijah was learning how to sew, a stuffed animal was a great way to learn and improve on his skills. It is also something that he could teach to someone else who was learning how to sew. The elephant is an iconic symbol of strength, gentleness, wisdom, and knowledge. It is also adorable.
Why Toques
When Baba’s granddaughter and her husband (Elijah’s aunt and uncle) began establishing opportunities for those in impoverished countries she was more than willing to help out with her amazing gift. Baba was delighted to learn that in equatorial Tanzania they still loved to wear toques. She was thrilled to help the grandmas (bibi’s) in Tanzania and their families.
Sustainable Dreams
Dream Elephants help everyone who has a hand in their journey. From the merchant selling the fabric to the customer who cherishes or shares the elephant with a loved one, each step along the way gives life. The artisans who help produce the elephant are part of the Dream. Dream Elephants give them an opportunity to build a better life today and into the future.
The purchase of every handmade elephant and hand knit toque supports the dreams of children and students just like Milka.