Warm hearts and wagging tails at Hyde Park Corner’s Mandela Day celebration
Hyde Park Corner was alive with colour and love as 67 Blankets and Woodrock Animal Rescue teamed up to spread warmth and hope through scarves and furry friends.
A crowd of animal lovers gathered at Hyde Park Corner on July 15 to mingle with playful puppies from Woodrock Animal Rescue, filling the centre court with joy and compassion.
The Made for Paws and Pups Mandela Day event, made possible by Hyde Park Corner, The Prawnery, Woodrock Animal Rescue, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, and Hisense, brought together devoted pet enthusiasts for a celebration of warmth, kindness, and community spirit.
Adding to the spirit of care, Woodrock Animal Rescue brought some of their rescue puppies for visitors to meet and cuddle, offering a moment of connection between humans and animals.
Many attendees even arrived with their own furry friends, turning the event into a joyful gathering of the local animal-loving community.
Also read: Dogs, Designers & Doing Good: Hyde Park Corner’s Mandela Day
Woodrock Animal Rescue senior manager Jacqui Martheze expressed her gratitude. “It’s phenomenal to be part of this Mandela Day event. Seeing so many people come out to show love and support for our animals truly means the world to us. We’re also incredibly thankful to Carolyn and the 67 Blankets team for choosing us as their charity partner.”
Woodrock Animal Rescue was further supported by Hisense through their Loads of Love campaign, which donates essential household appliances to organisations making a difference. Hisense donated a brand-new washing machine to Woodrock, helping the rescue centre manage the daily cleaning needs of their animals.
Alex Chen, brand manager for Hisense South Africa, commented on the partnership: “Mandela Day reminds us all that small acts of kindness ripple outward in powerful ways. We’re honoured to support Woodrock Animal Rescue with these washing machines. This collaboration shows the incredible impact when purpose-driven organisations unite for the common good.”
Also read: Here’s why pet owners need to sterilise their pets
Transforming the centre court into a colourful showcase, were over 1 000 hand-knitted scarves, crafted by 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day volunteers.
Each scarf bore a heartfelt message: “I am not lost. If you are cold and need me, please take me. Love, 67 Blankets.” These scarves were spread throughout South Africa on Mandela Day, July 18, as part of the Secret Scarf Mission, a touching initiative designed to offer warmth and hope to those in need.
67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day founder Carolyn Steyn reflected on the deeper meaning behind the scarves. “All around our country you would have seen pockets of colour. Scarves hanging on trees, lamp posts, and benches. It’s a small gesture with a big heart. We don’t just celebrate Mandela Day once a year. Every day is an opportunity to share warmth and kindness. We’re always knitting, always giving.”
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