Durbanites share the warmth
A group of selfless women have been knitting various clothes and other items to donate to communities in need.
CAREFULLY, Durban resident, Snoeks Desmond removed and unwrapped several tiny and intricately knitted baby garments from their temporary storage containers for the viewing pleasure of the Northglen News.
The adorable knits were made by a selfless group of women, many of whom are retired, for the mothers and babies at the King Dinuzulu Hospital in Sydenham.
Desmond initiated the informal project, known as Beanies and Blankets, in 2013 after she saw a notice in the local paper which informed the community of the mums and babies at the hospital who were in need.
“We contacted the hospital and were told that the women came from informal settlements as well as residential areas around the hospital. Some of the babies have had nothing to go home in,” she said.
Since then the group has grown significantly, with some residents residing in Durban North and uMhlanga as well as Johannesburg, London and Scotland.
The group is informal and non-registered, said Desmond.
“Anyone can contribute, whether through donation of wool or knitted items. We don’t keep track or force the members to contribute. It is all voluntary,” she said.
The drop off points are located at three wool shops: Berciles in Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Busy Needles in Windermere Centre and One Stitch @ A Time in Glenwood Village Centre.
In addition to wool and knitted baby items (including garments, blankets and beanies), toiletries and knitted items for older children and adults are also welcomed.
“What is nice about the project is that the wonderful talents of these ladies are being used for a great cause. They all feel like they are making a difference. The time and love put into the items are amazing,” said Durban North member, Vida Booysen.
