Nonagenarian knitter donates 239 blocks to Caxton Cares B³
A kind-hearted Elder's Voice resident overcame her dementia to knit more than 230 blocks for the Caxton Cares B³ winter warmth charity drive.
ONE of the countless kind-hearted crocheters and knitters who contributed to the Caxton Cares B³ project was Elder’s Voice resident, Denise van Rooyen, 92, who donated 239 knitted blocks for the cause.
Also read: Caxton Cares: B3, join the drive to warm hearts this winter
Van Rooyen suffers from dementia, which refers to a broad range of symptoms that cause a decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills, which are not a part of normal ageing. The caring nonagenarian has been knitting all her life, according to her loving daughter, Eunicé Botha. She has been especially active with the knitting needle in the last 10 years.
Van Rooyen is a loving mum of one and has two granddaughters, as well as two great grandsons.
“Knitting is one of the things she did every day to keep herself busy. She’s been knitting children’s jerseys and scarves for many years that she has given to charities and people on the streets,” said Botha.
She explained that she moved her mother to Elder’s Voice, a non-profit care home in Amanzimtoti, due to her condition worsening to the point where it began affecting her daily life.
Also read: Knitting out of love for Amanzimtoti babies
“We have been battling my mum’s dementia. We are extremely grateful to Elder’s Voice. It was great to learn that a hobby such as knitting doesn’t only bless others but also gives you a much needed outlet for creativity. It kept her mind and hands busy for over 70 years” she added.
Van Rooyen began knitting blocks from last year for the Caxton Cares B³ drive.
“I encouraged her to keep knitting so that we could hand it in for this year’s project and make a difference. Lately, in the last few months, she hardly knits. I don’t think she really can anymore,” said Botha.
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