Hyde Park Corner’s centre court transformed into a colourful hub of warmth and goodwill for the Made for Paws and Pups event, an uplifting Mandela Day initiative in collaboration with The Prawnery, Woodrock Animal Rescue, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, and Hisense.

Read more: Celebrate Mandela Day with furry friends at Hyde Park Corner

The event, held on July 15, featured a display of over 1 000 brightly knitted scarves, lovingly handcrafted by 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day. Each scarf carried a heartfelt message: “I am not lost. If you are cold and need me, please take me. Love, 67 Blankets.”

These scarves will soon be wrapped around trees, lamp posts, and benches across South Africa on Mandela Day, July 18, as part of the Secret Scarf Mission, a symbolic and practical gesture of warmth and solidarity.

67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day founder Carolyn Steyn said: “All around our country you’ll be seeing pockets of colour, scarves hanging with love notes. That’s what this is about, sharing warmth and kindness, but we make every day Mandela Day. We never stop. We’re always knitting, always giving.”

The event was also a celebration of animal welfare, with Woodrock Animal Rescue, the chosen charity partner, bringing adorable puppies for the public to meet and cuddle. Some visitors even arrived with their own furry friends to join in the fun.

Woodrock Animal Rescue senior manager Jacqui Martheze said: “It’s phenomenal to be a part of this Mandela Day event, and having so many people coming to show our animals some love means a lot to us.
“We’re so grateful to Carolyn and the team for choosing us, and we’re thrilled to receive a brand-new washing machine from Hisense. It’s a much-needed addition for cleaning our animals’ laundry.”

Corporate partner Hisense played a key role through their Loads of Love campaign, an initiative committed to donating essential household appliances to organisations making a real difference.

Brand manager Alex Chen said today is all about purpose. “Mandela Day reminds us that small acts of kindness can have a huge impact. We’re honoured to support Woodrock Animal Rescue with two washing machines, one for them and one for another rescue organisation. This partnership shows what’s possible when purpose-led organisations come together.”

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