(An impressive Miss
South Africa line up: Melinda Bam
(2011); Suzette van der Merwe (1990); Ziphozakhe Zokufa (2014) & Claudia Henkel
(2004).)
67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, proudly supported by
Cell C, has announced its drive to produce 21,000 blankets by April 21 this
year and create a world record in the process.
In this 21st year of democracy, South Africans are
encouraged to knit or crochet a blanket. These will be spread across the lawns
of the Union Buildings in Pretoria at the feet of the Nelson Mandela statue
before being donated to charity organisations around the country.
Founded by social entrepreneur Carolyn Steyn, 67 Blankets
for Nelson Mandela Day encourages people across the world to knit or crochet
blankets to keep needy people warm, in honour of Madiba, and linking in with
Nelson Mandela Day and the 67 Minutes initiative, driven by The Nelson Mandela
Foundation. It has received international recognition as one of South Africa’s
greatest projects in weaving the fabric of the South African nation together.
To date more than 9,000 blankets have been created and
handed out to charity organisations. This year the aim is 21,000 blankets and a
host of well-known faces have already taken up the challenge including Sophie
Ndaba; Miss South Africa Ziphozakhe Zokufa; Anele Mdoda; Gareth Cliff; Johnny
Clegg; the cast of Generations,
Melinda Bam and Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe.
Schools throughout the country are encouraged to take part
and could share more than R650,000 in cash prizes. Some 21 schools stand in
line to win one of R21,000 prizes sponsored by Cell C.
In addition Carolyn Steyn has donated a cash prize of R210,000
in her personal capacity for the participating school who produces the most
single bed size blankets.
Ordinary South Africans – from top CEOs, to community
leaders and politicians – will be called upon to make their contribution by
delivering a blanket or adopting a knitter to do it on their behalf. Corporates
are also encouraged to ask their staff to volunteer to produce blankets and
provide the yarn and tools to assist them.
Knitters who post a selfie of themselves knitting on 67
Blankets’ social pages could win one of three Amber Gold, Huawei Mate 7 mobile
handsets valued at R6,000 each. Post your selfie on @67Blankets and @CellC with
the tags #Believe, #EPIC and #67Blankets.
Cell C has recognised the creative and innovative call to
all South Africans to use the power that is in their hands and support this
initiative. The company will also empower a group of women in Diepsloot by
donating wool and tools and teaching them to knit and crochet as part of this
year’s initiative.
Carolyn Steyn, founder of this award winning initiative,
says: “The good corporate citizenship of Cell C will go a long way to
supporting the vision of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day. We also encourage
South African businesses throughout the country to get behind this campaign and
ensure that we continue to live the Nelson Mandela legacy.”
Says Suzette van der Merwe, Executive Commercial
Communications at Cell C and head of the Cell C Foundation: “This inspiring
activity can knit together communities and people across the country. We are
hoping that all South Africans will take up this challenge.”
Airlink and Stuttaford Van Lines will transport every
blanket made in South Africa to the Union Buildings for display. The blankets
will then be returned to their places of origin in time to distribute to the
needy. In addition to Cell C, the following organisations have generously
supported the campaign: Airlink, Stuttafords Van Lines, Saprotex, Juandre
Distributors and Huawei.
Cell C Durban
collection points:
Regional Office, 6 Torsvale Crescent, Torsvale Park, La
Lucia Ridge Umhlanga;
KZN DBN Office, 111 Prince Alfred Street, Durban
Durban KZN Call Centre, No 4 The Terrace Westway Office Park,
Westville
For more information visit www.67blankets.co.za
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