Very special Goody bags

Several months ago I was talking to Susan Dalgety about what I might use as the bags for the goody bags for the Miles for Smiles ball. She reminded me that it should be something recyclable – and then suggested that it should even be re-usable as a bag. We were then contemplating a cotton/canvas shopper when Susan suddenly said how good it would be if we could have them made in Malawi from colourful African cotton. Fantastic idea! – and Susan had the right contacts too. I’ll spare you the tortuous machinations that have filled the time between now and then - but 740 shopper style bags in bright blue and orange are currently being manufactured in Blantyre, Malawi – and that’s one in the picture!

I have also commissioned 72 runners for the tables at the ball to be made from the same material. Ball guests will only collect their goody bags as they leave but I hope that making the runners from the same fabric will mean that re-using the goody bags will always be evocative of the mood of the evening.

The bags and runners are being made by a small Malawian textile company called Nzika Arts (www.nzika.com) owned and run by a young Malawian couple called Mwai Namaona and Sheena Chilimampunga. This is their very first export from Malawi. They said,

As young Malawians we are very proud of our heritage and our culture. When we set up our company six years ago we wanted to produce the very best of modern Malawi design, using traditional motifs and colours in a contemporary way.

The relationship between Scotland and Malawi is very important to us. We visited your beautiful country in 2006 as part of a trade delegation and are delighted to make a contribution to the 500 miles ball. The work of 500 miles will transform the lives of many of our fellow Malawians, so thank you for your support.

We hope that you enjoy your Chitenje bag and that you will carry this small piece of Malawi with pride.

Thank you Susan! Now we just have to get them here in time!