Hurlingham-based KnitWits 4 the Needy keep the spirit of giving alive
Passionate knitters and crocheters gathered at Rosebank Union Church to continue their mission to create handmade blankets for those in need, as part of the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day initiative.
The cheerful hum of conversation mingled with the steady click of knitting needles at Rosebank Union Church as KnitWits 4 the Needy, based in Hurlingham, gathered for their weekly knitathon.
Seated together in the fresh air, the dedicated volunteers worked lovingly on colourful knitted and crocheted blankets destined for people in need.
Read more: KnitWits 4 the Needy bring comfort to Forest Farm residents on Mandela Day
The weekly gatherings form part of the wider 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day initiative, founded by Carolyn Steyn.
What began as a simple act of kindness has grown into a global movement, with chapters across South Africa and in countries around the world creating handmade blankets for distribution when winter arrives.
Steyn expressed her gratitude to the ladies who spend their time creating the beautiful and warm blankets.
“We’re here at the Rosebank Union Church for yet another knitathon, which KnitWits 4 the Needy does every week at the Rosebank Union Church,” she said. “These ladies create the most awesome blankets for people in need, which get given out as soon as winter hits.
“I’m so proud of the fact that we’ve got these chapters all around our country and in countries around the world where people are making blankets for people in need.”
Steyn added that the initiative has also earned four Guinness World Records through large-scale blanket installations at historic sites associated with Nelson Mandela, including the Union Buildings, Drakenstein Correctional Centre, where Madiba was incarcerated, and the Mandela Capture Site in Howick.
Also read: Local Knitwits contribute to world’s hugest happiness blanket
She believes the excitement around these milestones encourages broader participation.
“People say, Why are you not putting it out on social media? You know, because people love to be part of something big and exciting. And if there’s a world record involved, people love to be part of it.”
Currently, the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day is preparing for a major activation, the United Nations Day of Creativity and Innovation, which will be held at Steyn City on April 18. Volunteers will showcase their labours of love in a vibrant display of blankets. It’s an invitation to all, please join us. You’re going to see our labours of love. Put it in your diary now, Steyn said.
@caxtonjoburgnorth Watch: Hurlingham-based KnitWits 4 the Needy group gather at Rosebank Union Church for their weekly knitathon, knitting and crocheting colourful blankets for those in need as part of the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day initiative. Founded by Carolyn Steyn, the global movement continues to warm hearts and communities, with dedicated volunteers keeping Madiba’s spirit of giving alive, one stitch at a time. Details: Contact Greta Collier on 084 520 5200. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #Knitwits #Rosebank ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
KnitWits 4 the Needy leader Greta Collier said the weekly gatherings are deeply meaningful.
“Carolyn is my inspiration,” Collier said. “I’ve always had a love for all the African people, so I like to help them. We gather here to knit and crochet for destitute, needy people, various charities, and we also supply the blankets to the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day initiative. We are always looking for new knitters and crocheters to join our group.”
Those who would like to join can contact Greta Collier on 084 520 5200.
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