Be warm and grab yourself a scarf, courtesy of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela
By Edward Tsumele
Tomorrow August 19, 2021,is the day when many, many people who are desperately looking for a warm something to protect themselves from the current wave of chilly weather conditions, have been waiting for.
And now the wait is over, as the people behind the annual charity event, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela have confirmed that the warm scarves and blankets are ready to be distributed to all the country’s 9 provinces. The further good news is that they can be picked up by anybody in need of something to keep them warm, without paying a cent. And further good news is that all the scarves and blankets have been knitted by volunteers from around the country, in a display of Ubuntu, that sometimes we take for granted among ourselves.
“Nothing can keep a 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day KnitWit down. Despite months of lockdown, KnitWits around the country have been busy crocheting and knitting blankets and scarves to keep many others warm this winter. Always a highlight, the annual Secret Scarves Mission, now in its 6th year, has thousands of scarves ready to distribute countrywide.
The KnitWits have once again risen to the challenge by hand making thousands of beautiful scarves that will be draped on trees and poles or distributed to various organisations on the 19th August. A spectacular sight – a rainbow of colourful scarves freely available to be taken by any passer-by. As always, a love note attached, reading ‘I am not lost. If you are cold and need me, please take me. Love, 67 Blankets,” said a statement from the organisers released yesterday.
Says founder Carolyn Steyn “The KnitWits are incredible. Despite the lockdown and the challenges people are experiencing, thousands of scarves have been made for this eagerly anticipated event countrywide on the 19th August. Sadly, we could not distribute in July on Mandela Day but for us, every day is a Mandela Day. I cannot wait to see the joy these labours of love will bring to so many.”
Due to Covid regulations, the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day movement, will ensure that strict COVID compliance will be adhered to at each location.
Venues for distribution on 19, August, 2021, at 2:30pm.
Johannesburg, Parkview :
Zoo Lake – Jan Smuts Ave & Princes of Wales
Mossel Bay:
Louis Fourie Road near Agri
Port Elizabeth:
Rhodes Street (opposite Engen Garage) Mount Pleasant
Johannesburg, Sandton:
Rosebank Union Church cnr William Nicol & St Andrews Rd Hurlingham
Cape Town:
La Motte Feeding Scheme I Roberts Vlei Road Bosbou Franschhoek
Contacts for 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day:
Facebook: 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day (South Africa)
Twitter: @67blankets
www.67blankets.co.za <
Instagram: @67Blankets