Latest news with #KnitWits
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
67 Blankets' KnitWits bring joy to cancer patients
In celebration of Nelson Mandela Day, members of the West Rand's 67 Blankets initiative gathered at Life Flora's Oncology Centre to spread warmth and love to patients undergoing cancer treatment. The group, known as KnitWits, distributed handmade blankets and scarves, each bearing a special message that reads, 'I am not lost. If you are cold and need me, please take me. With love, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day'. The blankets and scarves were placed at the waiting area, and inside the treatment room, giving patients an opportunity to pick any colour that fascinates them. The event was part of the initiative's annual Secret Scarf Mission, which aims to bring joy and warmth to those in need. Founder Carolyn Steyn of 67 Blankets said, 'The 10th anniversary of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day is a truly remarkable milestone. I could never have imagined the incredible momentum our Secret Scarves initiative would gain over the years. 'Over the past decade, our KnitWits have lovingly crafted and distributed thousands of scarves, each one a thread of hope and warmth for someone in need. This campaign has not only warmed bodies but also hearts, making a profound difference in communities across South Africa and inspiring a movement of kindness that continues to grow,' she said. The patients appreciated the scarves and blankets, and had big smiles on their faces.
The Citizen
18-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Scarves, soup and spirit as St Columba's shares Mandela Day magic
There was no shortage of warmth at St Columba's Church in Parkview on July 18, as volunteers, church members, and the KnitWits of 67 Blankets came together to mark Mandela Day with food, love and scarves for those in need. By the end of the morning, 127 displaced individuals had received more than just a hot meal. They were welcomed, cared for and offered dignity through simple, heartfelt gestures. Read more: Parktown High School for Girls choses 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day ambassadors Geoff van Heerden, a volunteer at St Columba's, praised the community's generosity. 'We've had an incredible response. Local businesses donated boxes of sandwiches, hot dogs, soup, and the amazing team from 67 Blankets handed out scarves.' This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Secret Scarves Shhh campaign by 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day. Around 100 scarves were placed across Parkview, each tagged: I am not lost. If you are cold and need me, please take me. With love, 67 Blankets. Rev Melanie Cook of St Columba's said, 'This is about more than charity. It's about dignity, choice and coming together for something meaningful.' Michelle Burton from 67 Blankets added, 'Mandela Day lets us connect, create and care. It brings joy, not just to those who receive the scarves, but to those who make them too.' With scarves, sandwiches and a spirit of kindness, the Parkview community turned a winter morning into a celebration of humanity. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
28-05-2025
- General
- TimesLIVE
Stitched with love: 67 Blankets brings warmth and dignity to Nazareth House
Eighty-six handmade blankets stitched with care and compassion by volunteers around the country were handed over to residents at Nazareth House in Yeoville, Johannesburg, on Wednesday as part of the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day initiative. Carolyn Steyn, founder of the NPO, was joined by members of the KnitWits community for the handover. 'This place has a special meaning for me,' she said. 'My mum grew up here as an orphan. She came here at the age of three and stayed until she was 20.' The initiative, which began in 2013 with a challenge from Zelda la Grange, Nelson Mandela's former personal assistant, has grown into a nationwide movement of 'social cohesion and community spirit', said Steyn. What started as a personal pledge to crochet 67 blankets evolved rapidly after Steyn's Facebook appeal for help went viral. 'It snowballed into a movement — for good, for change.' The 86 blankets donated on Wednesday were crafted as part of the Hugest Happiness Blanket unveiled on March 20. Each item carries a label with the 67 Blankets logo and the words 'handmade with love' — a phrase that was felt in every corner of the room.
