Airlink, the
largest independent regional airline in southern Africa and 67 Blankets for
Mandela Day have partnered to distribute handmade blankets to those in need.
According to
Carolyn Steyn, the Founder of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day: “The growth
of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day has been phenomenal. Thousands upon
thousands of blankets are being made with such love and care by loyal
supporters or knit-wits across the country. These blankets will be distributed
to those in need when the cold front hits us again next year.”
Steyn and her gang
of knit-wits hope to make 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day a household name
by displaying their woollen wares at the feet of the Nelson Mandela statue at
the Union Buildings in February 2015. After this awareness stunt, which is
bound to cause a global stir and attract even more supporters to the cause, the
blankets will be returned to their creators for regional distribution.
“Transporting
thousands of blankets to Johannesburg is a logistical nightmare but thankfully,
Airlink have stepped in to help! Airlink connects over 36 destinations across
Southern Africa so we couldn’t have asked for a better partner,” says Steyn.
In October 2011, a
similar campaign was carried out on the steps of the Helsinki Cathedral in
Finland. Over 7000 blankets were created for this Guinness World Record
attempt. Afterwards, the blankets were donated to the Federation of Mother
and Child Homes and Shelters.
Steyn hopes to
collect 9,000 handmade blankets and then take an aerial photograph of this
incredible feat and possible Guinness World Record. With just five months to
go, South Africa needs to get those needles clicking! I am confident that South
Africa will rise to this challenge and that next year, the world will see what
South Africans are doing to keep Madiba's legacy alive. Hopefully it will
encourage more people to get involved so that more people can be kept warm in
winter.”
For more
information, visit www.67blankets.co.za or find 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day
(South Africa) on Facebook.
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