Behind every blanket and scarf donated worldwide by the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day initiative is a dedicated group of women who spent countless hours knitting, crocheting and stitching with one purpose in mind – bringing warmth, comfort and hope to those in need.

67 Blankets is an initiative started by Carolyn Steyn in 2013 in honour of Nelson Mandela. Over the years, this initiative has grown into a global movement, mobilising thousands of active members in South Africa and around the world to crochet and knit blankets and scarves made with love, while demonstrating the true meaning of ‘Ubuntu.’

The Roodepoort Record spoke to West Rand ambassadors to learn about the inspiration and motivation behind every blanket, scarf and beanie they knit.

Maggs Grobbelaar said she became involved with the initiative after seeing the difference it made in her own family’s life. Her intellectually disabled son received a donated blanket about six years ago, inspiring her to give back in the same way.

“One afternoon I fetched my son and saw that he had received a beautifully knitted blanket. That was the moment I decided I wanted to do this too. It keeps me busy while allowing me to give back to society. As I knit or crochet, I always think about the person who will receive it and hope it brings them comfort, warmth and joy,” she said.

Patricia Arends said she was first introduced to the initiative through her former employer before retiring.
“We used to knit blankets as a company and donate them to 67 Blankets. After I retired in 2018, I wanted to continue and eventually found Rob Herring’s group. It gives me great pleasure, and through this initiative I have met so many wonderful people,” she said.

Blanche Barnard said she joined Patricia’s group after witnessing the positive impact they were making in the community. She spends about a week completing each blanket, often incorporating different patterns into her work.

“I do it because I love giving back to people. Sometimes we hear negative comments that the blankets might be sold for cash or drugs, but we cannot control what happens once they leave our hands. Instead, I choose to focus on helping children. I knit tops and jerseys for babies in hospital and support single mothers who may have very little. I find knitting therapeutic, uplifting and good for the hands,” she said.