NAZARETH House in Berea, Durban, was recently transformed into a colourful and warm paradise by the members and founder of the NPO 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, Carolyn Steyn, who visited the elderly residents of the care facility to gift them with blankets for the winter months.

With their arms filled with over 40 handcrafted blankets and wearing bright red T-shirts and big smiles, the ladies of 67 Blankets lit up the room as they walked in and got straight to work in decorating the foyer of Nazareth House with blankets. The move was a pleasant surprise for the residents who later chose their own colourful blankets. Mary Swales, a resident of Nazareth House, said it was as if her prayers were being answered.

“My husband Ian, who recently suffered a stroke, went to church with me last week after such a long time, and he mentioned being cold. At that moment he needed a blanket and seeing as we were in church, I prayed that we would be able to get him a nice and big blanket,” said Swales. “It’s just perfect timing, God has been good to us lately and today he brought us the ladies from 67 Blankets who are gifting with warm blankets. It’s the answer to my prayers.”

Also Read: Make a pledge to Nazareth House

As a further surprise, the elderly residents were introduced to the founder of the organisation, Steyn, who helped distribute the blankets. She expressed her joy at being at Nazareth House, explaining fondness and links to the care facility. “My mom was raised in a children’s home in Joburg,” said Steyn. “I just wanted to say thank you to Nazareth House for raising my mom. She was a wonderful person – we did not grow up in a fortunate home but she always made sure to give money to the nuns. Nazareth House was a place that she respected and loved; she instilled that love in us as well.”

She added, “We feel privileged to bring our blankets made here in KZN to you. Each blanket is made with love and in honour of Nelson Mandela.”

The NPO is marking its 11th year of honouring the late Statesman, Nelson Mandela, by donating blankets. Sister Agnes Abrahams, the superior of Nazareth House Durban, was overjoyed at being part of the celebrations. She said, “We have a strong team that looks after the elderly, and I truly believe that when you put love into a place like this it becomes a home. Nazareth House is our residents’ home and we must do everything that we can to make them happy. They were very happy with the blankets and it was really lovely to have the 67 Blankets team here with us.”

Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated annually on July 18 by giving back to the community in memory of the country’s first democratically elected president’s birthday. Nazareth House Durban is located on Mazisi Kunene Road and they offer independent, assisted and frail care accommodation for the elderly. For more information, contact them on 031 261 2207.

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