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We are thrilled to share that Soap Aid has emerged as a winner at the Social Traders 2024 Victoria and Tasmania Game Changer Awards! 🏆✨

This remarkable achievement celebrates our commitment to creating positive change in the world. As a certified social enterprise, Soap Aid has consistently pushed boundaries, seeking innovative solutions to address pressing health and environmental challenges.

From recycling discarded hotel soap bars to empowering communities with hygiene education, our impact has been extraordinary. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every supporter who helps us to achieve our vision. Together, we will continue to challenge the status quo and ensure that vulnerable communities have access to critically needed soap —one soap bar at a time.

See the full list of winners and nominees here: The National Game Changer Awards (socialtraders.com.au)

Making a Difference, One Donation at a Time

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Dutch tour operator Sawadee Reizen, for their support of Soap Aid and for selecting us as a charitable partner. The generous contribution made by Sawadee Reizen empowers us to achieve two critical goals:

1. Diverting Waste Soap from Landfill: With this generous support, we can prevent 1250 kilograms of waste soap being produced by the hospitality sector from ending up in landfills. By recycling and repurposing this soap, we reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability.
2. Distributing 12,500 Bars of Soap: Thanks to Sawadee Reizen’s commitment, we can provide 12,500 bars of soap to communities in need. These bars of soap are not just hygiene essentials; they are life-saving tools that improve health and well-being.

A Shared Vision for a Better World

Sawadee Reizen has a rich history rooted in responsible travel. Founded in 1983, they specialize in small-group tours that immerse travellers in local cultures, promote sustainable practices, and foster meaningful connections. Their name, Sawadee, holds deep significance. Derived from the Thai language, it means “hello” or “greetings,” reflecting their warm and inclusive approach to travel.

As travelers explore destinations with Sawadee Reizen, they also contribute to positive change. When booking a Sawadee trip, travelers are given the opportunity to make a voluntary contribution of €2, €5 or €8, depending on their destination. The company prioritizes ethical tourism, hospitality industry sustainability, supports local communities, and champions environmental conservation. Their commitment aligns perfectly with Soap Aid’s mission, creating a positive impact—one soap bar, one journey at a time.

Thank you, Sawadee Reizen, for being a true partner in our journey toward a brighter future!

To find out more about Sawadee Reizen, please visit their website: Sawadee Reizen – Rondreizen naar de mooiste bestemmingen

We are pleased to announce that Soap Aid was recently showcased on ‘The House of Wellness,’ a prominent lifestyle program broadcasted on Channel 7.

‘The House of Wellness’ is a nationally televised series covering various aspects of health and wellbeing, including medicine, mental health, fitness, and social and environmental causes. Soap Aid was prominently featured in episode 8, which focused on recycling initiatives.

The episode provided an in-depth look into Soap Aid’s soap-recycling process, featuring footage filmed at one of our esteemed Hotel Champion partner, Hyatt Place Melbourne Caribbean Park.

You can view the full episode on YouTube by following the provided link. We encourage you to share it within your network to help us amplify awareness of our recycling mission.

The secret life of sustainable soap bars – YouTube 

We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our journey! Waste Management Review Magazine has featured Soap Aid in a compelling article.

The article on Waste Management Review delves into the intricacies of our soap recycling mission, shedding light on our positive influence worldwide. Exclusive interviews with our dedicated team and Soap Aid’s visionary founder and Chair, Mike Matulick, provide valuable insights into our mission and the steps we’re taking to make a difference. We express our immense gratitude for the recognition and support that has elevated our cause to new heights.

For a closer look at our inspiring journey and the impact we’re making, delve into the insightful article. Your continued support fuels our commitment to creating a cleaner, healthier world.

https://wastemanagementreview.com.au/victorian-charity-is-recycling-soap-and-saving-lives/?fbclid=IwAR0mf8e63iJYdEf00-4WP33oS0Ca5-vwAolTZLBGA54IpuK6xog_-OlX2iU

In an exciting development, Soap Aid has been nominated for the prestigious Community Achievement Awards Victoria this year—2023 Australia Charitable Foundation Mental Health and Wellbeing Award.

This nomination is a testament to our unwavering commitment to reducing the impact on the environment and enhancing the quality of life in numerous communities in Australia and around the world through hygiene education and the distribution of free soap bars.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Award acknowledges excellence in programs, projects, or initiatives dedicated to promoting mental health, preventing issues, and intervening early when necessary. We are honored to be recognized alongside other outstanding organizations and communities at the upcoming ceremony.

Attending the ceremony provided our team with a unique opportunity to connect with diverse organizations and communities, further amplifying the impact of our initiatives.

The recognition among thousands of applicants is a source of immense gratification, marking a fantastic year for Soap Aid.

On the 3^rd of November 2023, Soap Aid was proud to officially launch our new soap repurposing plant at Dandenong, thanks to a crucial grant from Sustainability Victoria.

Soap Aid also launched an important new partnership with The Bridge Inc. an amazing social purpose organisation with a mission to provide a wide range of services and support to people with disabilities, as well as people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Soap Aid’s new soap recycling plant is now operating at The Bridge Inc premises, with The Bridge supported employee workers involved in the soap recycling process, including soap sorting, packaging, logistics, and more.

The opening commenced with a moving Welcome to Country ceremony, conducted by Jaeden Williams, man of the Boonwurrung.  More than 45 attendees came to celebrate the opening and partnership launch and had the opportunity to learn how used guest soap bars from accommodation providers are turned into new life-saving soap bars. On the day of the event, they were welcomed by Soap Aid founder and director Michael Matulik and The Bridge CEO Mary-Jane Stolp.

Mike Matulick said, “We are thrilled to officially announce our wonderful partnership and venture between Soap Aid and The Bridge Inc. We look forward to furthering our commitment to the environment and broadening our life-saving mission with The Bridge.”

We were excited to have Matt Genever Interim CEO of Sustainability Victoria, officially launch and cut the ribbon of Soap Aid’s new soap repurposing plant!

We were honoured to have Lana Formosa, Mayor of Dandenong Council, in attendance at the event, and share some inspirational words with us.

Soap Aids wonderful community partners came to support us including, Bernadene Voss from Group Big Group Hug, Warren Chaplin from the Woollahra Group. The event also had the honour of being attended by Soap Aid’s accommodation partners including, Julian Crane from the Grand Hyatt Melbourne, Anthea Dimitrakopoulos from the Ascott Group, Danielle Schembri from Choice and Mark Geerlings from Crown Melbourne and the wonderful team from Soap Aid’s corporate Sponsor, Hunter Amenities.

The event also featured The Bridge Inc Board Director David Mallinson, General Manager – Employment Services David Kazkoff, Business Manager Wayne Broomhall, and Warehouse Supervisor Ali Mustafa.

Our wonderful Soap Aid team were there including Production Supervisor Charlie Honour, and The Bridge recycling team including Josh Brown, Eugenia, Sethu, Carol Bellew and Laura O’Leary.

The new recycling plant project was made possible due to the Recycling Communities Fund grant from the Victorian Government through Sustainability Victoria, for our “Soaping Our Way to a Circular Economy Project” last year. The funding helped Soap Aid relocate and reinvigorate Soap Aid’s soap repurposing centre at The Bridge Inc premises, and our Circular economy initiative, the Hotel to Hands Guest Soap Recycling Programme, after three challenging years of COVID.

Soap Aid is the only charity and Social Enterprise in Australia and New Zealand who undertakes the recycling of hard soap with Accommodation providers.

A big thanks to Iskhandar Razak, ABC television and Radio, Cam Lucadou-Wells and The Star Newsgroup and Jenny Littlewood, PR and Media Lead from Sustainability Victoria for her amazing support to promote our initiative.

Soap Aid looks forward to an exciting new era of partnership and development!