There’s a quiet, almost poetic contrast in watching Carolyn Steyn sit back in her chair, gently sipping her water, surrounded by the chaos of boxes still waiting to be unpacked. It’s calm. It’s warm. And it feels like home, even in the middle of a move.

In an exclusive with the Fourways Review, Steyn welcomed us into the brand-new headquarters of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, an organisation she founded more than a decade ago from a simple challenge to do something for Madiba Day.

Read more: Colourful 67 Blankets display is ready to warm hearts at Steyn City 

This is a space that marks a very touching and meaningful shift for a movement built on compassion and community spirit.

But this moment didn’t begin here. “For years, we worked out of a garage. There were blankets everywhere, piles and piles. Cars couldn’t move. It was chaotic, but it was full of love.”

This garage was where thousands of blankets passed through loving hands. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was a reflection of the initiative’s humble beginnings and grassroots spirit.

Now, 12 years later, that same spirit lives on in a space designed with intention. The new headquarters at the Dainfern Golf Estate, built from the ground up, is more than just an office.

It’s a vision brought to life, one rooted in family, loss and legacy. Steyn’s late sister, Sharon, played a pivotal role in finding the land and imagining what this could become. She was also a very dedicated member of the 67 Blankets.

“She wanted me close to her, and she wanted a dedicated home for 67 Blankets,” said Steyn.

Though the building itself came together in just three months, the journey to get here took three years, from groundwork that dug deep into the earth, to finally creating a space that feels open, welcoming and full of possibility.

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Upstairs, there are spaces still taking shape as what will soon become meeting points and a boardroom.

“This is where our KnitWits and ambassadors will come. They’ll bring their blankets, have coffee, and just be together.”

Downstairs is the heart of the building, a storage of all the creative works the KnitWits would be doing.

“I love this space, mainly because of how beautiful it looks with all the blankets and artworks created all in the name of giving back. We will have yet again our Secret Scarves Shh, which is in its eighth year. It is a colourful and joyous way of spreading ‘GoodWool.’

“Thousands of handmade scarves will be hung on trees with a special message: ‘I’m not lost, if you are cold and need me, please take me. With love, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day.”

The organisation will celebrate World Creativity and Innovation Day with joyful public gatherings on April 18, bringing knitters, crocheters, families and supporters together at Steyn City and other cities and towns across the country for a day dedicated to inspiration, connection and kindness.

“It is going to be fun, please do come through and learn how to crochet or knit with our wonderful people.” The tickets are free and can be purchased on Quickticket.

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