Whispers of Hope: The Story Behind Our African Worry Dolls

Our African Worry Dolls have quickly become a customer favorite—and it’s easy to see why. Not only do they offer comfort to those who whisper their troubles to them at bedtime, but they’re also creating real impact by supporting a group of 25 individuals in Cape Town with dignified employment.

The idea is inspired by a Guatemalan tradition where children share their worries with tiny dolls before slipping them under their pillows, hoping for a worry-free night. Here in South Africa, Souper Troopers—a remarkable nonprofit organization—has given that legend a local twist, empowering formerly homeless individuals through meaningful work and community.

The heart behind Souper Troopers is founder Kerry Hoffman, who began the initiative after one simple act of kindness: handing out soup and sandwiches to people living on the streets. What began as a gesture of compassion quickly grew into a movement to restore dignity, love, and respect to Cape Town’s homeless community.

Today, Souper Troopers runs The Humanity Hub, a safe and supportive space offering services that help people transition off the streets. Through their holistic CAST model—centered on Care, Access, Support, and Training—they provide psycho-social development to those ready to change their lives.

One of the standout success stories from the Hub is the African Worry Doll Project. It started as a creative workshop in July and has since flourished into a thriving income-generating initiative. The makers, affectionately known as the Souper Squad, are 25 dedicated individuals receiving both job opportunities and emotional support through this program. In just ten months, their progress has been nothing short of inspiring.

When you purchase a worry doll, you’re not just buying a handmade item—you’re investing in hope, dignity, and transformation