As families brace for the final bite of winter, children supported by Rays of Hope are set for warmer days after the organisation received a timely donation of hand-knitted blankets on the eve of Mandela Day.

The blankets were delivered through a collaborative initiative between Dis-Chem’s innovation hub, X, bigly labs, and the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day.

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While the non-profit company, serving the community of Alexandra, uses most of the blankets at the organisation’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, ECD manager Dikeledi Phiri said in some instances any surplus would be given directly to local households in need.

“It has been very helpful, because you often find that a family only has two or three blankets,” Phiri said.

“When they receive more, they can add to what they have. Since families share, it is difficult for each child to have their own blanket. That is why this support has been so great for us.”

Phiri explained that providing proper blankets reduces the need to light hazardous heat sources at home.

Jo Corlett, an ambassador for 67 Blankets, said their current drive focused heavily on supplying Rays of Hope with blankets for local children and families. She added that her organisation constantly works to convert balls of yarn into amazing blankets, scarves, and beanies to donate to the needy.

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“We know the need is constantly out there for people to get warm and to feel some form of satisfaction and worth by being given something.”

At a personal level, Corlett shared that the work brings immense satisfaction.

“The lovely thing is when you see somebody receiving a blanket and being so appreciative. It is absolutely amazing,” she said.

The specific batch destined for Alexandra was born from a corporate challenge. According to Oageng Mosaka, a reputation and storytelling analyst at X, bigly labs, their executive head, Aliyah Allie, invited Corlett to teach their employees how to knit.

She added that the initial goal was 67 blankets, but the team surpassed that target, knitting over 80 blankets with the help of the 67 Blankets’ team.

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Recognising that vulnerabilities in communities like Alexandra extend beyond the winter cold, she noted that their team expanded their scope.

“We also went as far as getting items from the Dis-Chem group — essentials that can potentially help, from toilet paper to a toothbrush. While we are keeping them warm, we are also prioritising promoting hygiene.”

She said that the donation of essential items was intended to ensure that beneficiaries have access to basic everyday necessities, including toothbrushes, bath soap and facecloths, helping make the availability of these essentials a reality for those who need them most.

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