A knitting and crocheting initiative, led by members of the Rotary Club of Pretoria East and the Social Committee of Bronberg Retirement Village, continues to make a meaningful impact in communities through handmade donations created with care and compassion.

The project started about nine years ago and was initially launched after the Rotary Club of Pretoria East made funding available for community service delivery initiatives.

According to Doulien Knopjes, additional financial support was later secured through a request to the Rotary International District 9400 financial committee to help purchase wool for the growing project.

Knopjes is a member of the Social Committee of Bronberg Retirement Village and Assistant Governor of Rotary District 9400.

“The social committee of Bronberg Retirement Village wanted to create a project to keep pensioners busy while also allowing them to use their talents and energy to help others in need,” said Knopjes.

The initiative has since grown into a large collaborative effort involving about 70 women, as well as one male participant, from Bronberg Retirement Village and friends and residents associated with the Rotary Club.

Knopjes said wool is supplied through the social committee for various projects requested by social care organisations.

“Bronberg Retirement Village hosts a brunch every second Saturday of each month where the knitting group showcases its handmade items every second or third month before the donations are distributed to organisations in need,” said Knopjes.

As part of this year’s Mother’s Day activities, the group once again reflected on the importance of giving back to vulnerable mothers, abandoned babies, orphaned children, and elderly residents who may no longer have family support.

Among the knitted items on display were baby clothes destined for institutions caring for abandoned babies, scarves and beanies for children’s homes, bed socks and blankets for children receiving chemotherapy treatment, and knee blankets for elderly residents.

“We appreciate every stitch knitted or crocheted with love. These handmade items bring warmth to many needy hearts and cold bodies,” Knopjes said.

Although the group does not keep a complete long-term record of donations, last month alone, volunteers produced 12 knitted knee blankets, five sets of baby clothes and jerseys, five stuffed monkeys, eight scarves, 60 beanies and 22 sets of bed socks.

Knopjes said knitted items are distributed to a wide range of beneficiaries, including children’s homes, old-age homes, schools in underprivileged areas and organisations such as Nicus Lodge, which supports children receiving chemotherapy treatment.

She said the group estimates that it has reached about 140 institutions over the years.

The project continues to rely on wool donations, financial contributions and new volunteers to help expand its reach to even more beneficiaries in future.

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