Become part of the most colourful social movement that is
sweeping South Africa – 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day.
On 10 April, Knitwits, Happy Hookers and a host of new friends
will gather at the Botanic Gardens Conference Centre to share the “goodwool”.
Well-known and popular pianist Melvin Peters will add his
jazzy touch as Durban men and women put final touches to the blankets and
squares, stitch by stitch, and talk about the ongoing campaign to provide
blankets for those who need them this winter.
The 67 Blankets for Mandela Day initiative plans to collect
more than 21,000 handmade blankets to distribute to the needy this winter and
aims to break a world record by reaching 21,000 blankets to celebrate 21 years
of liberation and democracy.
Ambassador Linda Zama explains: “My late father, a retired
teacher and diligent community leader organised from education to gardening.
Dying of cancer, he told the people he worked with to look to me for help and
support. This time I turned to them for the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day
support. The rest is a beautiful story. Simply put, the 67 Blankets campaign
has given me the opportunity to tell a rich story from an unexpected angle. Above
all, it is knitting me together with a legacy that connects me with the men who
touched me deeply.
“So, bring your knitting or crochet work, “adds Linda Zama. “If
you do not have wool, knitting needles, wool and crotchet needles will be
available. No fingers will be idle on 10 April. Men are encouraged to join this
fun and relaxing and yet noble course.”
The Knitathon takes place from 18h00 to 21h00 on April 10 at
the Durban Botanic Gardens Conference Centre. This will be the final Durban
event before April 21 when thousands of handmade blankets will be spread across
the vast lawns of the Union Buildings in Pretoria, at the feet of the Nelson
Mandela statue. For more information about this event, contact Linda Zama at 083
442 7544.
For those who wish to contribute
wool, visit the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day (South Africa) Facebook page
or visit www.67blankets.co.za, or e-mail info@67blankets.co.za
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