Join crochet revolution for Madiba
Even those who are unable to crochet can still make a contribution to the cause by donating wool or money.
NON-PROFIT organisation, 67 Blankets for Mandela Day, is going all out to take back its world record of the biggest crocheted blanket and urges Highway residents to join in.
The organisation’s record was smashed by a massive blanket measuring a jaw-dropping 11 149 square metres in India. So if you thought crocheting was reserved for old women who needed something to sell at crafts stalls, times have changed. Fashion has once again come full circle, and this creative way of making fabric has taken off in terms of popularity.
“It has also taken off in terms of competitiveness and goodwill. But it’s not for the faint-hearted. If all goes according to plan, thousands of blankets will be spread out as far as the eye can see around the statue of Nelson Mandela at Drakenstein Prison in the Western Cape on 22 April. This is the place where Nelson Mandela was finally released,” said Carolyn Steyn, the Founder of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day.
So pick up a crochet needle and some wool and join South Africans in spreading out thousands of blankets on April 22 to mark 22 years of the country’s democracy.
If you do not know how to crochet but would still like to be part of the initiative, you can donate wool or money to the cause. “There are thousands of people calling out for wool. They have the will but not the wool,” said Carolyn.
Prisoners from all over South Africa have joined the Knitting Revolution for Madiba and their blankets will form part of this massive display. The rallying call in Correctional Services is Knitting Broken Lives Together.
Carolyn has called upon Highway residents to pull up their woolly socks and to play their part in what is now being called the Wool Cup.
“South Africans love nothing more than a challenge and I believe that together we are weaving our nation together with the advent of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day. Together we can smash India’s record. We just need to all come on board and crochet faster,” she said.
“As a result, many more thousands of people living in dire need will be kept warmer over all the winters to come, in the name of our beloved Nelson Mandela. We will keep his legacy (and the ideals for which he stood) alive with each every stitch that we make with our own two hands.”
Crocheted blankets should ideally be single bed size (140cm x 180cm) and be handed in by 1 April. Blankets will be transported from all corners of South Africa to Drakenstein by Stuttaford Van Lines and Airlink and after the display and transport them back to their places of origin in time for distribution to those in need before the winter strikes. This is in keeping with the idea of making every day a Mandela Day.
If you would like to contribute wool, e-mail info@67blankets.co.za, visit its Facebook page 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day (SA), view its website – www.67blankets.co.za – or follow them on Twitter @67Blankets.
If you would like to make a cash donation, below are the banking details:
67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day NPC, Investec Bank Limited, current account, 1001 1758 149, branch code 580 105.
