Mandela Day visit stitches hope into Forest Farm residents’ lives
Mandela Day came alive at Forest Farm Centre when KnitWits 4 the Needy stayed to sit, knit, and connect, bringing warmth, dignity, and care to every resident.
Mandela Day is not about grand gestures; it’s about small acts of service that make a real difference. For Forest Farm Centre in Bryanston, that difference arrived in the form of scarves, smiles, and sincere conversations.
Members of the Rosebank-based KnitWits 4 the Needy marked Mandela Day delivering hand-knitted scarves to each of the 62 residents and staff at Forest Farm, many of whom are adults living with cerebral palsy.
But it was not just the drop-off. The group stayed, shared stories, helped knit alongside residents, and reminded everyone at Forest Farm that they are not forgotten.
KnitWits member Joe Corlett said: “We came here, not just to give, but to connect. The cold may bite, but loneliness bites harder. Today was about warming hearts, not just hands.
“We pride ourselves in achieving this every year. This year, we chose Forest Farm because of the nature of their work, supporting adults with cerebral palsy. It was important to us that each person here received the gift of our time today.”
Also read: KnitWits 4 the Needy bring comfort to Forest Farm residents on Mandela Day
Corlett added that they noticed that many of the residents struggle with cold hands, and they’re already planning their next contribution. “Over the next few months, especially ahead of next winter, we’ll be making fingerless gloves for the residents to help keep them warm.”
Forest Farm social worker Bulelwa Mahura said: “This wasn’t charity; it was community. Our residents felt seen, loved, and included. That’s what Mandela Day is truly about.”
Founded in 1968, Forest Farm Centre is a long-term home to adults with cerebral palsy. Its mission goes beyond care; it aims to provide dignity, creativity, and meaningful participation. Many residents engage in workshops, creative activities, and daily routines that support a full life.
Also read: KnitWits 4 the Needy celebrates a decade of warmth and compassion
However, the centre faces rising costs, with monthly care ranging between R12 000 and R16 000 per resident depending on their needs.
While they’re often hesitant to ask directly for donations, the need is real. Mahura explained: “We run an Adopt-an-Orphan programme for residents who no longer have family support. We welcome help with clothing, bedding, toiletries, and financial support, but more than anything, we value people’s time and presence.”
For those looking to support the centre, the organisation maintains a wish list on its website: www.forestfarm.org, or you can reach out to Mahura at 011 789 3008 or bulelwa@forest-farm.org.
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