The nationwide 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day project has gone viral, and East Londoners have eagerly embraced it.
Started by Carolyn Steyn of Johannesburg in 2013, the initiative calls on people to knit, sew or crochet a blanket for the needy.
Since then people from around the world have been inspired to join the initiative, with “knitters for Madiba” reaching for their needles in Australia, Canada, the UK, US and India.
East London ambassador and co-ordinator, June Stagler, said organisers believed 21000 blankets could be collected from around the country to coincide with South Africa’s celebration of 21 years of democracy.
She said the blankets collected would be displayed at the feet of the statue of Nelson Mandela at the Union Buildings on April 21, before being distributed to the needy.
She said they were trying to create a world record for the most blankets collected in one campaign.
“Our region is doing very well I think. So far we have collected around 120 blankets but we are expecting more because the ladies are so passionate and dedicated and some are still knitting,” said Stagler.
The Daily Dispatch visited Vincent Park Centre yesterday, where 15 women, who had spent the past few months knitting colourful blankets, had come to hand over their work.
“I was amazed at how well the campaign has been received here. The response has been overwhelming and crazy. These ladies want to give back so badly and have wanted to do something that involves using their God-given talent to create something that will benefit someone less fortunate,” said Stagler.
She said they would be at the mall tomorrow to prepare to transport the blankets to Pretoria.
Margie Wainwright of Helping Hands, a charity organisation in Cambridge which produced 13 blankets, said the campaign tied in with their work.
“I love helping people. It’s just what we do. We live in a time when we all should be doing our bit to help the needy, and the fact that this initiative is in honour of Madiba is a big plus,” said Wainwright.
Shaleen de Klerk, who brought four blankets, said she was an avid crocheter, and was excited when the campaign reached East London.
“Thanks to this campaign I can now get into bed in winter knowing that I have done something to keep at least one person warm.
“Giving back is easy, and every little bit goes a long way. Imagine if we all knitted just one blanket, how many people would benefit. Our town has many needy people. It is time we got involved,” said De Klerk.
Stagler appealed for donations of wool, which can be dropped off at the Vincent Park Centre information desk and at Warrington’s Wool Shop.
She urged the public to join the Facebook page, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela South Africa.
To get involved contact 079-953-4756. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
It’s stitch in time for Madiba
Started by Carolyn Steyn of Johannesburg in 2013, the initiative calls on people to knit, sew or crochet a blanket for the needy.
Since then people from around the world have been inspired to join the initiative, with “knitters for Madiba” reaching for their needles in Australia, Canada, the UK, US and India.
East London ambassador and co-ordinator, June Stagler, said organisers believed 21000 blankets could be collected from around the country to coincide with South Africa’s celebration of 21 years of democracy.
She said the blankets collected would be displayed at the feet of the statue of Nelson Mandela at the Union Buildings on April 21, before being distributed to the needy.
She said they were trying to create a world record for the most blankets collected in one campaign.
“Our region is doing very well I think. So far we have collected around 120 blankets but we are expecting more because the ladies are so passionate and dedicated and some are still knitting,” said Stagler.
The Daily Dispatch visited Vincent Park Centre yesterday, where 15 women, who had spent the past few months knitting colourful blankets, had come to hand over their work.
“I was amazed at how well the campaign has been received here. The response has been overwhelming and crazy. These ladies want to give back so badly and have wanted to do something that involves using their God-given talent to create something that will benefit someone less fortunate,” said Stagler.
She said they would be at the mall tomorrow to prepare to transport the blankets to Pretoria.
Margie Wainwright of Helping Hands, a charity organisation in Cambridge which produced 13 blankets, said the campaign tied in with their work.
“I love helping people. It’s just what we do. We live in a time when we all should be doing our bit to help the needy, and the fact that this initiative is in honour of Madiba is a big plus,” said Wainwright.
Shaleen de Klerk, who brought four blankets, said she was an avid crocheter, and was excited when the campaign reached East London.
“Thanks to this campaign I can now get into bed in winter knowing that I have done something to keep at least one person warm.
“Giving back is easy, and every little bit goes a long way. Imagine if we all knitted just one blanket, how many people would benefit. Our town has many needy people. It is time we got involved,” said De Klerk.
Stagler appealed for donations of wool, which can be dropped off at the Vincent Park Centre information desk and at Warrington’s Wool Shop.
She urged the public to join the Facebook page, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela South Africa.
To get involved contact 079-953-4756. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
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