Hurlingham knitters stitch warmth for vulnerable communities this winter
As winter is here, KnitWits 4 the Needy volunteers are hard at work creating handmade blankets and scarves for disadvantaged communities.
The sound of knitting needles and conversations filled the hall at Rosebank Union Church on May 23 as members of KnitWits 4 the Needy Hurlingham group came together for their weekly knitting session dedicated to helping vulnerable communities stay warm.
The group was hard at work knitting and crocheting blankets and scarves that will be distributed to those in need through various outreach initiatives.
Read more: Hurlingham-based KnitWits 4 the Needy keep the spirit of giving alive
Group member and 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, Jo Corlett, said the day’s gathering was for their weekly knitting and to finalise the blankets, which will be distributed to Rays of Hope on Monday.
“We as a group are currently making blankets that will be distributed to Rays of Hope, which is also based at the Rosebank Union Church, and they will then take them to Alexandra, their primary distribution centre,” Corlett said.
She added that they prepared 99 scarves for distribution to a church in Parkhurst, where they will be handed to destitute individuals to keep them warm during the cold months.
“We also have another initiative, which we hope to fulfil tomorrow on Sunday, and that’s to a church in Parkhurst. We’re going to be giving the really destitute scarves to keep them warm for winter.
“We distributed a couple of blankets to Rays of Hope a few weeks ago. We will give them another 10 on Monday. We have 99 scarves going to the destitute, which for us reflects just how many desperate people there are out there and that our services are really appreciated by all,” Corlett said.
Also read: KnitWits stitch toward an even brighter 2026
A particularly heartwarming aspect of this week’s gathering was the attendance of two young first-time members, who brought renewed hope to the group.
“We’ve had two young ladies who joined our group today, which gives us all hope that more young people will come join us. Most of us are grey-haired grannies who keep ourselves busy with crocheting and knitting.”
Twenty-three-year-old Mia Rogers, who joined the group for the first time, shared her experience.
“It’s my first time at KnitWits. I love being around all the ladies who are knitting. It feels amazing to do something for a good cause and also be in good company at the same time. I would love to come back, hopefully with a lot of young people, so we can continue the good work for long after,” Rogers said.
Another newcomer, Gabriella McKinon (24), said she was grateful to have found a community-driven organisation focused on genuine outreach.
“I love knitting and crocheting, but one of my biggest passions is helping others and the less fortunate, but it doesn’t always feel easy to find organisations that can help you do it feasibly. To be able to find organisations that can help you and are doing it for a good cause is rare, and it’s nice to find one in your community,” McKinon said.
The KnitWits members are already preparing more blankets and scarves for distribution in July, continuing their mission of providing warmth and comfort to disadvantaged communities.
Corlett also highlighted the importance of community support, explaining that the non-profit organisation relies heavily on donations of wool.
“We are a non-profit organisation, and we work on donations of wool. That can be converted into blankets. If anybody would like to sponsor us with wool, we would appreciate that.”
Details: contact Joe Corlett on 082 577 4630 or Greta Collier on 084 520 5200.
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