Knitting for a warmer winter

Local knitters who support the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day movement gathered at Sabie Valley Coffee Shop last Wednesday.

Without slipping one stitch, the women listened while Penny Boden and Carol Stephen, the local ambassadors and coordinators for the movement, made arrangements for the next batch of blankets to be distributed to the needy.

The local branch started three years ago and distributes around 200 blankets every year. In addition to this group, some elderly women from townships also gather at the St George’s Church every Wednesday to knit and crochet blankets and scarves.

While serving the women who regularly gather there, the staff of the coffee shop were also inspired to start knitting. As a token for their appreciation, each of them received a crocheted scarf in the colours of the country’s national flag from the knitters.

Stitch by stitch, these local woman help to keep thousands of people less fortunate than themselves warmer in winters to come.

The 67 Blankets for Mandela project was established in December 2013 when Zelda la Grange, late former president Nelson Mandela’s trusted assistant, presented philanthropist Carolyn Steyn with the challenge to knit, sew or crochet 67 blankets.

They would then be distributed to those in need on Mandela Day.

Steyn accepted La Grange’s challenge but realised that she would not be able to achieve it alone. She called on friends for help and developed a Facebook group upon which hundreds of people from around the world had pledged to knit a blanket for Nelson Mandela Day.

Since then, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day has captured the attention of many South African and even international celebrities as well as corporates.

Anybody who would like to join, or donate wool, should contact Penny Boden on 082-875-6691 or Carol Stephen on 083-327-2527.