At a stage in life when many would expect to be cared for, the senior citizens at Alan Woodrow Park Retirement Villages are choosing instead to care for others.

Though they themselves are elderly and in need of support, these remarkable elderly women have made it their mission to bring warmth, dignity and hope to some of the most vulnerable members of the Boksburg community.
Every Monday from 14:00 to 16:00, a group of dedicated elderly women gather in the village lounge for a knitting project inspired by the urgent need for warm clothing.

Their mission is to provide comfort to vulnerable people, particularly those who stand at road intersections seeking day jobs and others who rely on welfare support.

According to project co-ordinator Karen Keen, the initiative started about three years ago and forms part of the outreach programme of the Church of the Nazarene, which supports disadvantaged communities at various preaching points across Boksburg.
One of these outreach points is at an intersection along Jubilee Road, where a number of men gather each morning in search of work, braving both winter cold and summer heat.

“Our first outreach took place in winter, and we wanted to provide beanies, scarves and gloves to people standing there all day from early morning, actively looking for jobs, so they could at least stay warm while waiting for work,” explained Keen.
The church also supports individuals in many other spots including the road across from Sunward Park Hospital.

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“Our pastor visits those spots and shares a short message and prayer to offer hope,” said Keen. “But we realised we could do more than just providing spiritual encouragement. We began assisting them with job opportunities by taking down their details, creating a WhatsApp group to share information about available work in the area, and inviting them to church to learn skills. That’s mainly why we started this project.”

Growing from strength to strength
The knitting group initially met at a resident’s cottage, but the arrangement became too demanding for the elderly host. The project was then moved to the communal lounge, where it has grown in participation and support.

Attendance fluctuates between 15 and 20 residents each week. The oldest participant, aged 94, continues to knit faithfully, contributing at least an item every week.
Some residents knit items to sell at the village’s morning market at the end of May, while others focus purely on charity.

Wool is supplied to the elderly by the church and from donations, and members create garments for adults, newborn babies and toddlers. The group also supports a Springs-based NPO that provides clothing for children in need.
Grannies support cancer survivors
The knitting project has also benefited Solidariteit Helpende Hand Boksburg cancer projects.

The residents recently handed over dozens of breast prostheses, commonly known as ‘knitted knockers’, to the organisation. These handmade items are designed for breast cancer survivors who have undergone mastectomies or related procedures.
Helpende Hand supplied the natural, allergy-friendly materials used by volunteer knitters and crocheters to craft the prostheses.

“We understand that some survivors struggle with allergies, so everything was made using natural materials,” explained Keen.
The prostheses will be distributed free of charge to women in need through cancer support networks.

Thank you
Annerie du Pisanie of Solidariteit Helpende Hand Boksburg, who received the donation, thanked the residents for their contribution.
She explained that the items will be sent to the organisation’s head office, and once various branches have collected sufficient stock, they will be distributed to beneficiaries in September.

Stitching well-being
Beyond helping the community, the initiative has positively impacted the knitters themselves. The activity promotes social interaction, mental stimulation and physical well-being.
“The ladies enjoy the companionship and the opportunity to try new patterns. There is a deep sense of fulfilment in knowing they are helping others,” said Keen.
“They are actively participating in outreach – they are not just passengers.”

Support the seniors’ mission
While the busy hands keep the knitting needles moving every Monday afternoon, the project cannot continue without consistent community support.
The group is making an urgent appeal for donations of wool, knitting needles and financial contributions to purchase materials. With the group producing items weekly, supplies are constantly needed.
Community members who would like to support the initiative are encouraged to contact Keen on 084 333 3054.

Every ball of wool donated becomes a beanie for a job seeker standing in the cold, a jersey for a child in need, or a carefully crafted breast prosthesis for a cancer survivor.
“Financial contributions, no matter how small, will go directly toward buying materials to ensure that these elderly volunteers can continue their work.”

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