How Hurlingham stroke survivor turned adversity into hope
After a life-changing stroke left her with vision, hearing, and balance challenges, Greta Collier discovered a new purpose through knitting, and turned it into a thriving community bringing warmth and hope to people in need.
You may have read articles a lot in the Sandton Chronicle about the remarkable work of KnitWits 4 the Needy, a community of knitters and crocheters who spend their Saturdays creating blankets, clothing, and other warm items for people in need.
You might, however, have been wondering who is behind this great initiative is? Meet Greta Collier, founder of the KnitWits 4 the Needy Hurlingham and a woman whose own life-changing journey inspired her to start knitting hope for others.
Read more: Grey-headed grannies welcome young hands to knitting mission
Long before she became known for her knitting, Collier was a musician. Her interest in music began when she had a boyfriend who played in a band. Inspired, she decided she wanted to learn guitar.
“I went for music lessons, and then I was offered a job in a popular band, JD Band. I started playing in the band in the 1960s, and played for about two years. Then I saw a lady coming in with drugs, and thought, ‘Okay, it is not for me. I am getting out of here’.”
With training as a secretary, Collier returned to the profession she knew well, until she suffered a stroke on the cerebellum which left her with partial vision, hearing loss, poor balance, and difficulty speaking. Rather than allowing her circumstances to define her, she looked for something meaningful to keep her occupied.
“I chose to keep busy. I have a heart that cares for our needy and destitute folk, as well as offering them some hope and love.
“I decided to see if I could knit, so I took up some wool and a pair of knitting needles and found that I could, but by feel only. I got excited and knew this was where I could thrive.”
Also read: Hurlingham-based KnitWits 4 the Needy keep the spirit of giving alive
In 2014, Collier decided to turn her newfound passion into a knitting group called the KnitWits 4 the Needy. She posted on Facebook looking for women who wanted to join her at Rosebank Union Church in Hurlingham on Saturday mornings to knit and crochet items for people in need. “I was so surprised to see about seven people who had come to join us. This was only the start.”
The charity group is now almost 12 years old, and has grown in leaps and bounds. Now, there are over 60 people who make blankets and items of clothing for the needy. “We have certain beneficiaries that we donate to, as well as the many homeless.”
Collier added that the group has joined hands with 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day.
“With the love that Carolyn Steyn, the founder of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, and the knitathons give me, I know that I have found my purpose-filled life, keeping extremely busy in my retirement and being able to help those in need. What a dream come true.”
For Collier, the group is about much more than the items they produce. It has become a place where people form friendships, share their talents, and find a sense of belonging.
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