It started with a single handmade beanie. Our founder, Mike Walker, was given one knitted by his grandmother, Patricia van der Merwe. That one act of care became a plan.
In 2009, Mike and his grandmother trained the first six women from Meadowlands, Soweto, to knit. A year later The Gogo Trust was officially registered, and 593 knitters were producing more than 30,000 beanies for the FIFA World Cup.
By reviving the traditional art of knitting, we help senior women regain pride, dignity and economic standing in their own households. Our board of trustees includes acclaimed South African fashion designer David Tlale.
First grannies volunteer to knit beanies for orphans.
Mike Walker and his grandmother Patricia van der Merwe train the first six women in Meadowlands, Soweto.
The Gogo Trust is officially registered (IT/129/10). 593 knitters produce 30,000+ World Cup beanies, recognised as a legacy project by Sony Corp and Primedia. The Gogo Magic campaign with M-Net Cares reaches the Loerie Awards finals.
Product range extended to include knitted Christmas stockings.
First project with an international brand (France). Continuous support from leading brands in South Africa.
The Beardly Bunch's Beards for Beanies campaign sells close to 8,000 beanies. National press coverage grows.
Producing products for an international aviation brand for first-class customers on flights.
Genuine Gogo products sell overseas. Nine communities across five provinces, with active knitting circles in Meadowlands and Kranshoek, and the pursuit of conversations in our dream space well under way.