67 blankets for Mandela Day showcased at local mall
Shoppers could view the exhibition and support the project by donating wool, hooks and needles.
This year marks a decade since the passing of former president Nelson Mandela, and with Mandela Day approaching, one shopping centre is pulling out all the stops to honour this leader’s legacy.
Collaborating with the non-profit organisation, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day, Eastgate hosted a curated exhibition of masterpiece blankets crafted in Madiba’s honour over the years.
The organisation’s founder Carolyn Steyn opened the exhibition on July 11.
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Since its inception in 2013, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day have distributed over 167 000 handmade blankets and hundreds of thousands of scarves to those in need, setting four Guinness World Records.
The purpose is mobilising people locally and abroad to crochet and knit blankets and scarves made with love while demonstrating the true meaning of ‘ubuntu.’
Over the years, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day have transformed into a phenomenon. It became a movement that has captured the attention of South African and international celebrities, corporates and KnitWits for Madiba in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Cyprus, London, the USA, Ireland, Italy, and India.
The collection of the blankets was on display in Eastgate’s Strelitzia Court until July 18.
Shoppers could view the exhibition and support the project by donating wool, hooks and needles; or completed blankets, squares, and scarves.
They could also ‘adopt’ a knitter by partnering with someone with the skills, but not the means, to buy the materials.
They also made crochet classes available.
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Eastgate’s general manager, Saadiyah Kahn, said, “Supporting projects that have the potential to make a difference in people’s lives is central to our purpose, and we are excited to host the magnificent collection of blankets at Eastgate.
“I encourage shoppers to enjoy perusing the masterpieces on exhibit and to support the project,” she added.
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