67 Blankets of Hope
67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela donates 170 winter blankets to Sparrow Ministry of Help.
The 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela is continuing on its peace, love, and tolerance road trip to bring warmth and companionship to those in need.
Their journey across the country has led them to Sparrow Ministry of Help Village in Maraisburg.
The national, and global, movement was founded 11 years ago in support of the legacy of Nelson Mandela, and on May 28, they donated a total of 170 winter blankets knitted by at least 20 volunteers based in the Northcliff area.
Sparrow was founded by Reverend Corine McClintock and has been a beacon of hope for children and patients affected by the HIV/ Aids epidemic for many years. With a total of 200 individuals, this organisation has provided support and care to those struggling with the devastating effects of the disease.
Corine shared the heartbreaking reality they faced in the early years of the Aids crisis, where they were losing nine children per week. However, in 2003, everything changed when they were able to receive medication, which significantly improved outcomes for those in their care.
“It is a wonderful gesture that we have the 67 blankets here today because we need all the support, especially now in winter since we are short of blankets and food for our residents,” she says.
Ambassador of the Northcliff area, Michelle Burton says the impact of the 67 Blankets is huge and visible in the community, and they are always stretching their hands to those in need in different kinds of shelters and elderly homes.
“To us, it is about the joy of giving and creating. What keeps us going is the companionship we get when we are knitting the blankets together and the love we have for children, the greater community, and making sure we serve them,” she says.
67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela members believe that every day is a day to help someone less fortunate, and they have been returning to their roots by embarking on a road trip to personally deliver blankets to various locations throughout the country. Founder of the organisation, Carolyn Steyn, says there are still numerous stops planned until the end of June.
