One ball of thread and one stitch at a time, Capitec Bank’s Hooked on Helping initiative is knitting away to cover vulnerable people with warm blankets as part of the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day project.
Initially aiming to distribute just 67 hand-knitted blankets to the needy on Mandela Day, the 67 Blankets project was started seven years ago by philanthropist Carolyn Steyn. It has now grown into an annual record-breaking event that generates warmth for thousands of needy South Africans.
“We have by now distributed more than 67,000 handmade blankets to communities in need in South Africa alone. All made with love, and with the hands of eager knitters,” Steyn says.
Over the past years the Hooked on Helping team, which consists of Capitec employees and other volunteers, kept their needles clinking for the 67 Blankets project. They have also provided hundreds of beautiful, hand-knitted blankets and scarves to the vulnerable people, especially the elderly and children, to give them comfort and hope during the cold months.
Neptal Khoza, head: Corporate Social Investment at Capitec, says the bank supports the Hooked on Helping initiative as it gives their employees an opportunity to volunteer their time and skills for a good cause. Capitec sponsors the wool that these employees use to crochet the blankets that are then donated to 67 Blankets for the benefit of the less fortunate.
Also being a sponsor of 67 Blankets, Capitec now encourages clients and the public to become part of this project by dropping off donations of wool at any of the bank’s branches.
“We invite the public and our clients to join by donating wool the next time they visit one of our branches. Every string of wool donated will contribute towards the making of beautiful blankets that will keep someone warm,” Khoza says.
How to donate:
A box for these donations will be placed in each Capitec branch. Balls of wool, knitted squares or blankets, can be left in these boxes during the branch’s operating hours. It can be any colour or type of thread.
All contributions will be allocated to the Hooked on Helping volunteers and 67 Blankets, who are now crocheting blankets for vulnerable children and abused women.
There can be great comfort in being covered with a soft, warm blanket. The donations will help to bring relief from the cold to many vulnerable people, but it can also provide them with some comfort and hope to know they are not forgotten.
Hooked on Helping contact details – hookedonhelping@capitecbank.co.za
Follow 67 Blankets on Facebook: 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day (South Africa) / IG: 67 blankets / Twitter @67blankets or visit 67blankets.co.za
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