Knitted with Love: Pretoria Seniors’ Comfort Dolls Bring Healing to Trauma Survivors
- linettelintvelt
- 8 minutes ago
- 2 min read
A group of 10 dedicated volunteers from the Ruimtesig Retirement Village in Faerie Glen, Pretoria, recently handed over precious hand-knitted comfort dolls to Wayne van Onselen, Founder and Executive Director of Unchain Our Children (UOC). The dolls will be distributed to places of safety for vulnerable children. Garsfontein SAPS and Solidariteit Helpende Hand also received these much-needed soft toys, specially created for traumatized children.
Canadian Izzy Dolls Inspired Initiative
The initiative draws inspiration from the renowned Canadian Izzy Dolls. During a 1994 UN peacekeeping mission in Croatia, Master Corporal Mark “Izzy” Isfeld began distributing small dolls made by his mother, Carol Isfeld, to comfort children affected by war. After Isfeld tragically lost his life in a landmine explosion, his mother and friends continued the legacy, producing hundreds of “Izzy Dolls” to spread kindness and solace.
Following this compassionate tradition, the Ruimtesig Knitting Circle created 103 “Troos Poppies” (Afrikaans for Comfort Dolls). When President Cyril Ramaphosa declared Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) a national crisis in November 2025, spokesperson Elna Rademeyer and her team sprang into action.
“Sympathy and shock regarding child abuse and gender-based violence are simply not enough anymore, we wanted to make a tangible contribution”, Rademeyer said.
Why Soft Textures Sooth
Soft textures like these knitted dolls offer profound comfort to trauma survivors, particularly abused children and women. Unlike harsh or rough surfaces, gentle tactile input activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing cortisol levels. It signals safety, care, and nurturing—feelings often shattered by trauma. Holding or hugging a soft doll can trigger oxytocin release, fostering trust and emotional regulation while helping survivors rebuild a sense of control and self-soothing. These items frequently serve as transitional comfort objects from childhood into adulthood.
UOC extends its deepest gratitude to the Ruimtesig ladies: “Your proactive initiative helps alleviate the suffering of trauma survivors in a meaningful way,” said Wayne van Onselen.
Compassion into Action
This heartwarming project highlights the vital role of community involvement with non-profit organizations. When retirees, local police, faith-based groups, and NGOs like UOC collaborate, they create a powerful support network. Such grassroots efforts provide immediate, tangible relief—soft, loving objects that aid sensory integration and emotional healing—while raising awareness and demonstrating collective responsibility. In the face of GBVF as a national crisis, these partnerships turn compassion into action, accelerating recovery journeys and reminding survivors they are not alone.
Every stitch in these Troos Poppies carries hope, proving that small acts of kindness from ordinary citizens can deliver extraordinary healing. UOC warmly invites more community groups to join this legacy of care.
Discover & Connect:
The Izzy Doll Legacy
Report Child Exploitation: Call UOC National Crisis Centre: 067 323 7116
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