(Theatre personalities Samantha
Peo, Angela Kilian, Judy Ditchfield, Nondumiso
Tembe and Michael de Pinna work on their blankets with Carolyn Steyn,
the one knitting with green wool)
When you think of knitting, what comes to
mind? A grey-haired dear? Think again! Knitting is now hip and is being done,
en masse, for a good cause.
67 Blankets for Madiba Day started as a
challenge but has quickly grown into what some are calling a movement. It’s
captured the attention of the Minister of Arts & Culture, Paul Mashatile,
Hugh Masekela, Angela Kilian, Tim Moloi, Michael “yebo goggo” de Pinna,
Nondumiso Tembe, Samantha Peo and Judy Ditchfield as well as corporates and
do-gooders in Australia, London, the US and India, with other countries coming
on board by the hour!
Carolyn Steyn, the Founder of 67 Blankets
for Madiba Day explains: "In
December, Zelda la Grange, former personal assistant to late former president
Nelson Mandela, presented me with a challenge to knit 67 blankets by 18 July
for Mandela Day. These blankets would then be distributed to those in need. I
gladly accepted Zelda’s challenge but soon realised that I wouldn’t be able to
achieve it alone. I then called on my friends for help and developed the 67
Blankets for Madiba Day Facebook Page. My friends shared the Page with their
friends, who shared the Page with theirs, and in just two weeks, hundreds of
people from around the world have pledged to knit a blanket for Mandela Day.”
Joining the movement is easy. The only
requirement is that the single bed sized blanket or baby blanket has to be
handmade – no store-bought blankets will be accepted. Blankets can be knitted
or crocheted and should measure 150 cm x 200 cm. Most importantly, those who
pledge to make a blanket must keep their promise and complete the blanket or
blankets by July 1, 2014. Drop-off points for the blankets as well as the
charity beneficiaries will be announced closer to the time on the campaign’s
Facebook Page.
According to Zelda la Grange: “While we are
all still saddened by the passing of Madiba, turning those emotions into
something meaningful helps overcome the sadness. Mandela Day will soon be upon
us and we are very touched by the vigour of the 67 Blankets knitters. We can
each make a difference and these knitters are showing us how. I am confident we
will get more than 67 blankets ready for Mandela Day and my Bikers for Mandela
Day group are happy to hand-deliver these to the most rural and underprivileged
people across our country. I commend Carolyn Steyn for her determination and
the love with which she took on this challenge.”
Steyn continues: “Never in my wildest
dreams did I expect this kind of incredible response. It started out with me
wanting to make a difference with my own two hands and has transformed into
something much, much bigger. This campaign reminds me of something Madiba once
said: “We must use time creatively, and forever realise that the time is always
ripe to do right.” I guess that this is also testament to what I like to call,
Madiba Magic. He had the ability to
inspire the masses for the greater good of humankind and this is his legacy,”
says Steyn.
Those taking part in the 67 Blankets for
Madiba Day campaign are calling themselves ‘knit wits’. Some are knitting and crocheting for the
first time. Their motto? “Stitch by stitch we can make a difference and help
keep people warm this winter!”
For more information, visit the 67 Blankets for Madiba
Day Facebook Page.
artSMart
has become involved with the project with Editor Caroline Smart and Manager
Pauline Dalais working away at producing the artSMart blanket for the project.
Come on, KZN – travel this creative road with us!
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