Project to help keep the less fortunate warm this coming winter
The News team, members of the Amandel Aksie team and Miss SA finalist Shelbe want to make a difference this winter.
Cold winter nights might soon be something of the past for the less fortunate people and animals of Krugersdorp.
The News team, in collaboration with the Amandel Aksie group from the Suiderlig church in Krugersdorp West and Miss South Africa 2017 finalist, Shelbe Pretorius, have decided to start a blanket project. Knitted blankets will be donated to an animal shelter and another organisation that is in desperate need. These blankets will be distributed to the various organisations at the end of May before the cold winter really starts knocking on our doors. There are many people who are not fortunate enough to fall asleep under a warm blanket in the winter. Animal shelters are sometimes also forgotten and overlooked, and the animals are left to sleep on cement floors and in cold cages.
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The News team, members of Amandel Aksie and Shelbe want to make a difference this winter.
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After a long discussion, the name for the project was decided on – it’s called Hande vat vir Liefde.
Here are a few questions and answers about what the project entails:
Who is Amandel Aksie?
Amandel Aksie is a group consisting of 33 members. They get together on a weekly basis at the Suiderlig church, where they socialise and do bible study programmes. They want to make a difference in the community and approached the News to help them with their initial project.
Who is Shelbe Pretorius?
Shelbe, 23, is a humble resident of Krugersdorp. She was recently a Top 12 finalist in the Miss South Africa 2017 competition. She is well-known in the community for lending a helping hand and for her open and warm heart towards the less fortunate. The News approached Shelbe to be part of the project.
How will the project work?
Hande vat vir Liefde is planning to gather and make three types of blankets that will be donated to various organisations:
1. The first type of blanket will consist of knitted squares, made of any type of knitting yarn.
2. The second blanket type will be a looped/ knotted blanket that will be made from polar fleece fabric.
3. The third blanket type will be made from plastic shopping bags, and will be used for the animals in the animal shelter to sleep on.
What are we asking from the community?
• Any knitting yarn, of any colour or thickness
• Any plastic shopping bags (Pick a Pay, Checkers, Spar, President Hyper, Woolworths etc)
• Polar fleece material
• Hands of people who are willing to assist by knitting squares
• A cash donation if you are not willing to or able to knit. You can deposit your contribution into the church’s account: Absa, cheque account number 3 1058 1038, branch code 632005. Please use the word ‘Handevat’ as your reference.
What if you want to make something yourself and donate it?
Hande vat vir Liefde will be hosting a workshop in order to help the community with the project. The workshop will run over two days. On Day 1, the community will be taught how to make a looped/ knotted blanket and on the following day the technique of the plastic bag blanket/ mat will be taught. The workshop will be open to the public and all blankets that are made on the day will go towards the project. The News will announce the date and time at a later stage.
Who will be receiving the blankets?
Hande vat vir Liefde has decided to donate the blankets to two groups. One of these is the 9th Day Animal Shelter, which currently houses 140 dogs. The Suiderlig church will decide who the other beneficiary will be, but wants to involve the community in the decision. They are asking organisations that are in desperate need of these blankets to come forward. Suggestions can be send to the News’ journalist, Nadine Maré, via email to nadinem@caxton.co.za.
Where can you deliver your contribution?
At the News’ offices in Witpoortjie, on the corner of General Pienaar and Ham Streets. Nadine can also be contacted on 083 959 4906. Nadia Allen, who is part of the Amandel Aksie team, is also willing to collect donations and can be reached on 082 849 7512.
The team is excited at the thought of making a difference in the community and at involving the community in this great cause.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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