The residents of Eeufees Oord Retirement Village in Westdene were treated to an afternoon of much merriment and generosity by caring neighbours.
67 Blankets for Mandela, a movement formed over 10 years ago, organises volunteer knitters and crocheters who make blankets for the less fortunate. The blankets are not allowed to be machine produced and are collected and distributed throughout the country during winter.
Resident Elizabeth Mitchel (90) remarked after the event, “It is been a wonderful day and we have been so spoilt which is a real treat. We are all very grateful.”
Fellow resident Linda Jacobs was visibly moved by the donation and ‘wonderful lunch and gifts’ as he collected a large blanket for his bed.
Michelle Burton, a Northcliff resident and ambassador for 67 Blankets for Mandela, gathered a hearty group of KnitWits in her region many months ago to create the blankets. She and Westdene resident Bridget van Oerle, also a KnitWit, and Ward 69 councillor Beverly Sherman identified Eeufees Oord as a worthy venue for the beautiful donations to be dropped off.
Sherman addressed residents affirming her belief that ‘those who worked their whole lives deserve to be looked after in their twilight years’.
Van Oerle said, “It is so magical to see the end result of so much work each year for 67 Blankets. This year, it is no different and to be able to help our elders in a small way brings much joy to all volunteers.”
The owner of Café Picobella, Déon Fourie, dropped off 80 pizzas; Life + Lemons provided various options of their handmade lemonade; Ansie Quail made delicious cupcakes and Clicks donated some toiletries in a lovely show of collaboration and heart for vulnerable residents.
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