67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day founder is named Philanthropist of the Year
Carolyn Steyn, founder and CEO of the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day was awarded for her work in facilitating and distributing knitted blankets to individuals in need in numerous communities.
A local philanthropist has been awarded for keeping the country warm with her blanket drive.
Carolyn Steyn, founder and CEO of the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day NPO, was the recipient of the Philanthropist of the Year at the 12th African Achiever Awards in London on September 22.
Founded in 2011, the annual awards ceremony recognises and celebrates the African excellence of individuals and organisations in various industries who contribute to the growth and development of the African continent, according to the African Achievers Awards website.
A gleeful Steyn said there was great significance in being awarded Philanthropist of the Year.
“Knowing the very first African Achievers Award was presented to Archbishop Desmond Tutu back in 2011 makes me feel truly humbled. As a South African philanthropist, I am honoured to represent my country, the continent of Africa and 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day,” she said.
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“I have always said that Tata Madiba shines down on 67 Blankets with his blessings and this award is a further affirmation to continue sharing our message ‘stitch-by-stitch’ that we are ‘knitting lives and nations together’.”
Steyn’s organisation had been involved in several projects in the Fourways area and had several projects take place throughout the country.
One of the organisation’s successful campaigns was the Rainbow Nation Blanket of Hope project which saw 4 500 blankets laid out side by side at Steyn City School before distribution earlier this year.
“To celebrate the compassion and resilience of South Africans through a tough two years of Covid-19, 67 Blankets created an enormous Rainbow Nation Blanket of Hope earlier this year. We [67 Blankets] have pledged to keep thousands who are less fortunate warm every winter.
“Stitch by stitch, Nelson Mandela’s legacy lives on in each blanket, lovingly created by KnitWits with their own two hands. This year, 67 Blankets partnered with the humanitarian organisations’ Gift of the Givers and Doctors without Borders to honour all frontline personnel who worked so selflessly during the pandemic.”
Steyn concluded there was already work being put in for next year’s blanket initiative where ambassadors throughout the country were tasked with creating a colour display of blankets in their regions.
“All regional ambassadors have been asked to create a wondrous colourful display of love and warmth that will attract ‘blanket coverage’ and garner the attention of the world to attract more KnitWits to the cause of ‘knitting lives and our nation together’.
“The aim for each region is to create 670 blankets. We look forward to joining you for your 67 Blankets ‘local blankets is lekka’ celebrations.”
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