WATCH: Knitting with love
67 Blankets shares their love with the nation through knitting.
HUMANITARIAN organisation 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day celebrated Valentine’s with a knitathon as they gathered at the Springside Cafe in Hillcrest on Wednesday, February 15.
With the organisation’s purpose to keep the unfortunate warm, on the day, 30 blankets were also handed over to iKhethelo Children’s Village, an orphanage situated in Botha’s Hill.
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Giving insight about the organisation, Franki Hills Cart, who is the KZN ambassador of the organisation, said the organisation was a brain child of philanthropist and ‘arts angel’ Carolyn Steyn nine years ago.
“During that time, the organisation has smashed several Guinness World records, including the world’s longest scarf at over 29 kilometres long, among others. Most importantly, 67 Blankets has made and distributed over 120 000 blankets to needy people across South Africa. Orphanages, homes for disabled and the elderly, disaster survivors and many others in need have been the happy recipients of these handmade blankets, made with love and donated in kindness,” she said.
On the day of the Knitathon, the Springfield Cafe saw volunteers of the organisation gather and enjoy their skills of knitting and crocheting. Wool ‘n Weave was also there to sell wool for participants to use or donate for others to work up into blankets.
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Franki said their aim is to make 670 blankets, and they have managed to make 300–400 so far. Among the blankets they have made is a creative blanket that represents Durban. The blanket is a combination of squares that have the beautiful trees you would find in Durban, beadworks, the colour of the sharks, and other features you would find in Durban.
“This blanket is a joint effort of our members – it represents the colourful environment of Durban, and everything you would find in our city,” said Franki.
67 Blankets KZN extended their gratitude to Shirley Naicker from Springside Cafe, Linda Stander from Wool ‘n Weave, and Paul Stanley of All Plumbing and Electrical for their constant support and donations.
They further invited the community to get involved or make a donation to the group. They are asked to contact Sue Hubach on 079 999 2443 or email susan.hubach@gmail.com.
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