(KZN Ambassador Sue
Eslick with Samantha Dhever who is a strong Knitwit supporter, with some of
the blankets collected so far for KZN’s Big Blanket Reveal)
This year, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day is going local for its annual blanket collection and reveal Road Show.
Hashtagged #LocalBlanketsIsLekka, the charity’s 2023 blanket drive will see ‘KnitWits’ (volunteers) and Ambassadors going all out to crochet and knit blankets for display in their region. For the past nine years, all blankets made in South Africa have been displayed en masse at a national venue, but this year, blankets are being displayed in their regions, where the blankets will be donated to people in need.
In KZN, KnitWits are working hard to keep hundreds of needy people warm this winter, with a growing number of new volunteers joining in the fun each week. Residents of homes for the elderly, school and university students, and people from all walks of life are working together as a caring community that wishes to make a real difference in the lives of those living in dire circumstances.
For KZN’s Big Blanket Reveal, 67 Blankets is collaborating with Holy Family College in Glenmore, near UKZN in Glenwood, Durban.
“Holy Family College is delighted to partner with 67 Blankets on this important mission to keep hundreds of people in KZN warm during the coming winter. Our school, having recently celebrated its 148th anniversary, is wholly on board with making the #LocalBlanketsIsLekka campaign a resounding success,” said Mrs Ursula Collings, Head Teacher at the school, which is the second oldest school in KZN.”
She continued: “We are inspired to continue the legacy of Nelson Mandela, as we gather to commemorate his life, stitch by stitch, through our shared talents and teachings. The inspiring lessons through community engagement, our collective passion for creativity, our courage to serve, and giving dignity to the poor, are encouraged as a lead-up to Big Blanket Reveal event on June 10, 2023, at Holy Family College. We are excited and looking forward to fulfilling our school motto, “Quid Retribuam, Latin for “What shall I render; whom may I serve.”
“Our staff, pupils and parents are hard at work on blankets for big event, and we are officially issuing a challenge to all schools in KZN to join us in crocheting or knitting blankets for the needy. Together we can achieve our goal. Any school that would like to join in is asked to contact our PRO Jackie on (031) 205 5083 or email her on marketing@holyfamilycollege.co.za. We look forward to welcoming the people of KZN to our historic school,” she concluded.
On Saturday June 10, 2023, from 11h00, blankets made by KZN KnitWits will be displayed in all their riotously glorious colour at the school, which will host 67 Blankets founder, Carolyn Steyn, along with a number of other VIPs.
The event will also feature some of KZN’s top youth talent in a programme of music and dance, with face painting, food and drink sales, and a huge splash of colour guaranteed to delight the whole family. Don’t miss Holy Family College’s unmatched views of Durban’s harbour and city buildings.
67 Blankets is made up of volunteers from across South Africa, who knit and crochet blankets for needy people who would otherwise be cold in winter. Nine years ago, the organisation was founded by Knight of the French National Order of Merit recipient, Madame Carolyn Steyn, who is internationally recognised for her contributions to philanthropy, the arts and media. Many will know her face and voice from radio and television. Madame Steyn will be in Durban for the June 10, 2023, reveal event.
Franki Hills, Ambassador (KZN) for 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day 67, says: “Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day invites the people of KZN, regardless of age, gender, creed or race, to get involved and help keep someone warm in winter. Get your friends together to make a communal blanket. Encourage your children to learn the crafts of crochet and knitting. Get your school, your book club, your place of worship, your colleagues involved. Spend time creating something for someone you’ll probably never meet, and feel the rewards that flow from giving, sharing and community; of being kind to a needy child, someone who is disabled, or an elderly person in need.
She continues: “If you don’t know how to crochet or knit but would like to contribute, YouTube and 67 Blankets volunteers can help. Otherwise, donations of yarn are greatly appreciated for those who have the will to help, but not the wool.”
To find out more about how you can get involved, email info@67blankets.co.za or go to 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day (South Africa) on Facebook.
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