VEREENIGING. – ‘67 Blankets for Mandela Day’, through their ambassador Malcom Burroughs, handed over 70 colourful blankets to both the children and the staff.

The handover was carried out in partnership with Adri Grib from Machknitz, an NPO assisting with designing some of the blankets that get donated.

Speaking on the design of the blankets, Burroughs said that the blankets were made by a machine that takes up to three hours to make one, while those that were hand knitted took about to three days.

Burroughs said that extensive research is done before the organisation visits the homes in need of support.

“We really go to places where we are needed. We donate blankets to the elderly, children’s homes, hospices and schools.”

Burroughs  said they chose Catherine Robson because it was an excellent home where the kids were given the best care possible. Burroughs added that on this Youth Day, he wants the children to know that their past circumstances do not determine who they are going to become.

Grib from Machknitz said that she would like the youth to get exposure to machine knitting.

“Many of our young people are not exposed to this. I would like them to learn because this could be another way for them to generate an income. The machines we use can make anything from scarfs, blankets, socks and hats.”

Centre Manager Hermien Bezuidenhout said she was grateful for the gesture. “This is the best Youth Day these kids have ever celebrated. We always try to do a celebration for them but this year was out of this world.”

Bezuidenhout thanked Euro Spar for their donation of doughnuts, Crazy Plastics for donating balloons, plastic chairs and tables as well as 67 Blankets and Machknitz for their contribution to the day. NG Springs East also donated Bibles to the children.