Grannies swapped their usual Saturday afternoon plans for an afternoon of knitting, laughter and feel-good movie magic at Cedar Square on August 15 as World Granny Day was celebrated with a special community event.

The event was a collaboration between Community Hours, a non-profit organisation, and 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, a renowned global knitting movement that donates handmade blankets to support people in need.

Read more: Fourways Crossing hosts heartwarming knit day in support of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day

Lisa Mancer, an ambassador for 67 Blankets, said the idea was to offer older women something different from the usual community gatherings while allowing them to knit for a good cause.

“I thought, just a different experience because we always have the same functions.”

Mancer had attended a previous Community Hours event organised by Sarah Welton-Blake, which brought together several knitting groups, and said she was inspired by how successful and enjoyable it had been.

With the winter weather making outdoor activities less appealing, the organisers decided to create a warm and cosy afternoon where participants could knit while enjoying a movie together.

The event quickly gained momentum, with sponsors coming on board and publicity helping to spread the word. The response was so overwhelming that the original venue sold out and organisers had to move to a larger theatre.

Participants watched a feel-good romantic comedy that Mancer said was carefully chosen with the event’s older demographic in mind.

“It was age-appropriate. There wasn’t anything untoward. Remember, our demographic is older ladies, so it suited everybody’s taste.”

But the movie was only part of the fun.

As the film played, the room was filled with knitting needles, conversations and plenty of giggles as the women enjoyed each other’s company.

Also read: Knitwits stitch warmth and healing ahead of winter

Mancer said the event proved that a meaningful afternoon out did not have to cost a fortune.

“For R50, where can you have so much fun?” she asked.

The afternoon also included prizes, ensuring that participants left with something to remember the day by, whether they won one of the bigger prizes or not.

For Mancer, however, the biggest reward was seeing the women simply relax, laugh and enjoy themselves while contributing to a cause close to their hearts.

“It was just so successful. I enjoyed every minute of it, and having to bond with our elderly is always fantastic.”

Welton-Blake thanked all the sponsors of the event, including Hirschs’.

“They made sure that the event became a success. We are grateful for the support in making sure that the needy are well taken care of and the elderly are celebrated.”

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