After the successful launch of their crocheted Christmas Tree Campaign, White River’s 67 Blankets for Mandela Day did it again.

Challenged by the founder of the organisation, Carolyn Steyn, the local group held an astonishing exhibition of 400 blankets on Saturday, May 27, at The Barnyard Theatre at Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre.

With the theme “Local is lekker”, the public was spoilt with entertainment by the stitching crafters who always seem to outshine themselves. The wide-ranging entertainment included unforgettable music from The Notebusters, an Uplands College band and 15 heavenly voiced choristers of Mfundinjobo Secondary in Phakama Trust, KaBokweni.

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Melanie Poodrum delivered a sublime poem, which reminded the listeners about getting older, titled “When I turn 80”, while Leonore Zietsman’s and Steyn’s enthralling storytelling weaved their special contribution to the success of the event by reciting the unforgettable and iconic Maya Angelou’s “I Rise”.

The foyer and balcony of The Barnyard were transformed into a gallery of exquisitely themed blankets, depicting the beauty of this country for which Nelson Mandela fought. These depicted a lion, elephants, sunflowers and owls.

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This special collection of blankets will not be given away, but kept for exhibitions around the Lowveld.

Not resting on their laurels, they are still calling members of the public to donate wool or blankets to benefit the poor during the coming winter. Donations can be dropped at the Sabie Valley Coffee shop at Casterbridge.

Kim Buckland and Penny Boden can be contacted on 082 875 6691 by anyone who wants to join change the world for the better, stitch by stitch.