The 67 Blankets Standerton Knitwits have joined another Nelson Mandela Day initiative, this time helping to create granny squares to make up blankets for palliative care patients at Helderberg Hospice in Somerset West.

The challenge called on knitters and crocheters from across the country to collectively produce as many 15cm x 15cm granny squares as possible.

The squares, made in any pattern or colour, will be stitched together into blankets exclusively for hospice patients.

The Standerton Knitwits contributed an impressive 3 892 knitted and crocheted squares.

The group of 15 women spent about two months completing the project, with additional support from friends in Port Elizabeth.

“It took us around two months to make all of these squares. We had some friends from Port Elizabeth who also helped,” said Sangeeta Daya, the 67 Blankets Standerton and Highveld ambassador.

The completed granny squares were couriered to Helderberg Hospice on July 6, thanks to the sponsorship of the courier costs by Adriaan Joubert of Chabo & Joubert Air Conditioning.

All the collected granny squares and blankets will be counted at Helderberg Hospice on July 17, before the completed blankets are distributed to palliative care patients.

At the time of going to print, about 45 000 granny squares had already been received from knitters across the country.

With 48 squares needed to make one blanket, the initiative is expected to provide warmth and comfort to hundreds of hospice patients.

“For a challenge like this, you need a lot of people and volunteers to join the blankets,” said Daya.

ALSO READ: Mpumalanga Education Department condemns violence at school in eMbalenhle

The women of the Standerton Knitwits said they are inspired by the chance to bring warmth and comfort to people during some of the most difficult times of their lives.

“The people receiving these blankets go through so much suffering. It makes me grateful for my health and my talent, and it warms my heart to use that talent to give them a little warmth and comfort during their difficult journey,” said Hannlie le Roux.

“It’s the simple things in life, like making a scarf and giving it to someone less fortunate, that bring me joy,” said Aruna Daya.

“Nothing beats knowing that the work of my hands will bring genuine joy, warmth and comfort to the people who receive it,” said Michelle Nortjie.

“Every stitch has a purpose. Knowing that the hours I spend counting rows will wrap someone in comfort makes crocheting incredibly rewarding and deeply fulfilling,” said Brittney Nortjie.

Asked why they enjoy knitting and crocheting, the women said the craft offers both relaxation and a creative outlet, while creating lasting memories, laughter and friendships within the group.

ALSO READ: Community volunteers say vandalism and recurring occupation threaten Secunda’s green strips