Grey-headed grannies welcome young hands to knitting mission
The dedicated group of volunteers, turning donated wool into lifesaving winter essentials for vulnerable residents across Johannesburg, is glad to welcome some younger members, looking to continue to good work they do.
As freezing temperatures settle across Johannesburg, the KnitWits 4 the Needy Hurlingham group is hard at work creating handmade blankets and scarves for vulnerable communities.
The group gathered at Rosebank Union Church on May 23 for its weekly knitting and crocheting session, but beyond the piles of wool and clicking of knitting needles, the gathering carried renewed hope for the future of the initiative, as the group welcomed young volunteers eager to continue the organisation’s mission of community upliftment.
Read more: Hurlingham-based KnitWits 4 the Needy keep the spirit of giving alive
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.”
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. It’s nice to find one in your community.”
Also read: KnitWits 4 the Needy celebrates a decade of warmth and compassion
Group member Jo Corlett said they are preparing more blankets and scarves for distribution in July, continuing their mission of providing warmth and comfort to disadvantaged communities. “We’ve had two young ladies join 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.”
Corlett 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, and we are looking forward to welcoming more people into our group.”
Details: contact Joe Corlett on 082 577 4630 or Greta Collier on 084 520 5200.
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